She Will Be Free

It seems forever since she was who she used to be.
Today, her life is simple – but someday she will be free
from the prison of her mind and her faded memory.
God help us to remember, who she used to be.
 
There are days we all are strangers in her world of mistaken thought.
She is reaching, she is grasping to recall all that she’s forgot.
As conversations jumble in a room of family fun
she can’t keep up, she can’t respond – she likely wants to run.
 
But then a child comes up to her, “Grandma, will you play?”
Her smile lights up, her arms reach out – her eyes call out to say,
“I’m here, I see you, I have something sweet to give…
I love you, l can touch you, I have reason now to live.”
 
Hoping not to disappoint us when she has no words to say.
Her frustration, humiliation – anger carries her away.
As we pray her back to calmness in a sea of anxiety
She hears a song, sings right along and for a moment she is free.
 
We hold tight to memories of better days, of gathering with each other
Her life defined as a child, a friend, a wife and a loving mother.
But most thankful for the peace we have, that she loved God faithfully.
And the promise she’ll be whole again, with her Lord in eternity.
 
Thank you, Jesus, for your love.  Thank you for your grace.
We may not know her as she goes, but you’ve always known her face.
She’ll have rest and peace and calmness as she falls into your arms.
She will know each of her children, and you will keep her from all harm.
 
Thank you for your compassion, as you teach us how to care.
Thank you for your comfort, for we know you’re always there.
And when you finally free her from her fading memory
Her pain concealed, her thoughts revealed and then she will be free
 
Suzanne Peppers, Copyright 2011

Suzanne Bottel Peppers has been a published author since her teens, contributing to anthologies and freelancing. She had a 40-year career as a television editor, script writer, producer, and director. Married 50 years to Cliff (pastor/elder, ret.), the Peppers reside in Northern California, where they serve as Short Term Missionaries for Joni and Friends/Wheels for the World. They have two married sons and four grandchildren.