In 2025, The Salt Pebbles Blog will be shared on a quarterly basis.
As I sat at the kitchen counter staring at a half-eaten pound cake, I began to feel a flow of thankfulness stirring in my heart. I was thankful to have learned the importance of obedience. Holiday travel plans were pending, and I questioned whether I would make the trip to visit family or remain at home and celebrate locally. My heart told me to make the trip, and I am grateful that I did. Sometimes, you need to see their faces, share stories, and have a bit of laughter.
Obedience is often viewed as a staunch adherence to rules and directives, but it can also embody a deeper, more personal connection to one’s values and emotions. When I think of obedience, memories of following instructions from parents may come to mind; however, there’s a profound sense of obedience and gratitude that comes from following our hearts.
It was a great trip, and listening to the audiobook Master of Me by KeKe Palmer was a welcome companion during the drive. There were lessons, laughter, and "ah ha" moments, too! Her narration of the book, filtered with humor, was the fuel I needed for the drive and helped me sort through some of the clutter in my mind.
It has taken me months to finish this last blog for 2024. Truthfully, although I had been attempting success since August, I had not found the right words. The words did not flow, and I realized it was okay not to finish. My life lessons in obedience have taught me that grace is part of the process. There were so many disruptions: the demands of work, grief, Alzheimer's marketing, social media posts, and life. This dry season reminded me that taking a break is okay and that we don't always have to overextend ourselves because of perceived demands.
I tossed the journal and pen aside and accepted that it would come together in due time.
Here I am on this last day of 2024 and easing into 2025, wrapping up the blog as if it were a last-minute gift arriving with torn packaging due to mail carriers' mishandling.
Last year, I was blessed to share my Alzheimer’s story on platforms that were not part of my plan. Isn’t that how God works? He places you in environments that you might not have considered feasible, and it extends your reach. Those experiences also taught me that I don’t get to choose the platform for sharing my story because God does it for me. When I accepted my role in a spirit of obedience it was one less task on my to-do list, and God does all things well!
These new connections have introduced me to podcasters and Alzheimer’s representatives from other Alzheimer’s Association chapters. From South Florida to New York, Kansas, and California, I have shared my story and re-emphasized the importance of Alzheimer’s awareness and education. I am grateful for all these opportunities to continue to spread the Alzheimer's message.
In November 2024, people from every nation reminded one another about the significance of Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Whether it was a post or reel about research or education, we all reminisced about the importance of Alzheimer's and the need to educate others. This blog reminds us that Alzheimer's awareness and education are significant every month of the year, as are the millions of caregivers.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for those with Alzheimer's and other dementias. With nearly 7 million Americans living with the disease, caregivers are essential, and we appreciate the care they provide.
Caregiving is exhausting, but it is made easier by being thankful that you can care for those you love. This blog highlights three ways thankfulness is essential for the patient and the caregiver. First,thankfulness builds resilience for caregivers. We limit our abilities and believe we can’t achieve a specific goal until our only option is to complete it. When placed in a position where the only way out is to fight, we learn that we are stronger than we think.
Second, being thankful strengthens bonds between caregivers and patients. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be challenging, but remaining positive can help reduce stress and maintain a more positive outlook. Trust and respect are encouraged when caregivers show appreciation to their loved ones. Although Alzheimer’s patients experience a cognitive decline, they have feelings, and they can sense kindness and positivity.
Lastly, thankfulness in caregiving improves the quality of life for patients. It is common for an Alzheimer’s patient to feel confused and frustrated. When a caregiver expresses gratitude, it can create a sense of calmness. Patients may not be able to show appreciation as they once did, but knowing they are loved can improve their overall well-being.
In addition to the patient and caregiver expressing thankfulness, loved ones and those close to them can show thanks, which strengthens their mental and emotional well-being. Showing appreciation to caregivers and patients for small victories is key. Small gestures can brighten any day, whether it’s saying thank you, volunteering, returning a favor, adding a social media post, or buying someone dinner or their favorite coffee.
I can recall an event my best friend would plan for her family members. She called it a “Just Because” celebration. She would randomly celebrate with family members to show love and appreciation to a particular individual. She wanted to express her love to them, show her appreciation for them being a part of her life, and say thank you. It was a beautiful expression of love and thankfulness.
As a child, I couldn’t comprehend the idea of being thankful for obedience; who wants to be told what to do? But as an adult with a grateful heart in my body and a Mighty God at my side, I’m thankful for obedience because it has taken me on a journey that was more fruitful than I’d ever imagined. Moreover, I’ve seen it take my family and friends on incredible journeys. Caretakers have a unique call to obedience, but, like my best friend, they find sunshine in the storm—thankfulness in obedience.
It’s interesting, on one hand, following directions can guide us through complex situations, ensuring we stay on a reliable path towards our goals. On the other hand, when we listen to our hearts, we may find the courage to break from conventional wisdom to pursue our passions and dreams—often leading to incredible outcomes.
As we move into a new year, let’s be more thankful to those in our family and those we meet. Then, tell others about the importance of Alzheimer’s awareness and the importance of showing appreciation for all caregivers.
Encourage someone who may be walking this journey and show a random act of kindness. It will make the caregiver feel better, and you will feel better, too!
I feel better knowing I had the opportunity to help Momma and Greg.
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