Aging

Why Should We Care About Memory Care?

/ pastorpete51 / 4 Comments

Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. Genesis 48:10 ESV

They barely remember our name and struggle to recall where they are. The hands, once strong and able that provided for us, protected us and even at times disciplined us now hang limply at their sides. What is the use of visiting, when they will not remember it an hour from now? Those are hard but very real questions we may struggle with if we have a parent in memory care.

Genesis 48:10 ESV  Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them.

https://bible.com/bible/59/gen.48.10.ESV

But God remembers them and like Jacob, they still hold the blessings for our children in their hands. Rather than simply pity them, or stay away in discouragement and sorrow, let us go remembering that God has designed this chapter in their lives to still have purpose. Remember that after Jesus was born, he was brought by Mary and Joseph to the temple.  There Jesus received blessings from, Simeon and Anna, the two oldest members of the community.

Those who are least respected by a society weary of caring for its elderly, are highly honored by God. These weakened by infirmity and age have been entrusted with the blessing for our children. Why should we care about memory care? Because Jesus does and He remembers them and sees when each one falls.

Memories

/ pastorpete51 / 3 Comments



What happens to our memories
When tomorrow comes to call?
Do they sit around discussing
If we remember them at all!

Or do they gently fall asleep
And doze off in their dens
And dream of days when we may come
To wake them up again!

Memories
By Peter Caligiuri
Copyright © 2026
All rights reserved

What do you think about your memories? If you are a seasoned citizen like me, have you tried to preserve them in some way for your family and friends? If you are young, have you taken time to ask the older folks in your circle if they will tell you theirs? I had the privilege in my own case to sit down with my Great-grandmother as she opened her scrap books and showed me pages filled with memories including a visit to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair! With my dad, I often listened to him telling stories of growing up in New York in the 1920′-30’s. My favorite was of the time he was about eight and my aunt Helen who was seven at the time, were sent to the butcher to pick out a live chicken for the Sunday dinner. Then they waited as the man ushered the chosen bird into eternity, plucked its feathers, wrapped it in butcher paper and put it in a sack to carry it home. They each held one handle keeping the bird dangling in between, so no one had to touch it! In the last ten years of dad’s life, I came across a wonderful book titled, “Letter’s From Dad” by Miles Everhart. After reading the book, I bought three copies; one for each of our sons and one for my dad. This book gives the story of the author’s realization of the value of family memories, and he gives a nice template to use for either yourself or others. I am sure that there are other great resources out there that do similar things, so if you have any other suggestions, please leave them in the comments. Have a blessed and memorable week everyone!

Never! Never! Never!

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments

Though I already had my songs picked out and a message prepared, just before heading to Life Care Center on Friday, I read my own daily devotional, based on a verse from Psalm 9. “And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” Psalm 9:10 NKJV

As I finished reading, those words stirred my heart, because they made me think of the many people that I visit who feel totally alone and abandoned. Quickly, I grabbed a pen and paper and the Lord helped me put together a short message of hope. My hope for you this weekend, is that no matter the circumstances which you face, that you may know that God will never abandon, never forget and never forsake, those who put their trust in Him. If we have put our trust in Jesus, then we belong to Him. Every fault, every failure, every regret and loss, He covers with His precious blood and gives us His grace, renewal and best of all, eternal life! If you have not yet begun that adventure of faith, it is never too late. Never! Never! Never!