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Julie's avatar

Thank you for the bittersweet beauty of your words. As I came to the end of your post, I thought of the hymn line "and sanctify to us our deepest distress" from "How Firm a Foundation." May our Gentle Shepherd do this for you both. I lost my husband a year ago to a catastrophic stroke related to small vessel disease. He had a late diagnosis with a five year prognosis. I can testify to the faithfulness of God every moment. May you feel it, too.

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Searching for the Words's avatar

Thank you, Julie. I’m so sorry for your loss. May you continue to find God’s faithful presence even in grief.

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Mark Petersen's avatar

If it is possible for this to land with him, please let Doug know many unknown readers appreciate his courage and willingness to have you write so freely.

I understand your need to write. I process life in the same way.

Thank you for sharing your devastating journey that will end one day with a blaze of hope.

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Searching for the Words's avatar

I shared with Doug this morning that I've been writing about our lives, and that readers have said they think he is "wonderful." He liked that, Mark. Thank you for the suggestion, and for giving him that lovely reason to smile today. <3

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Mark Petersen's avatar

This makes me happy.

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Searching for the Words's avatar

“A blaze of hope.” Yes. ❤️

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Linda Hoye's avatar

Your words are a testament to the power of story. Your dear husband’s “okay” was a gift to you, the storyteller, and also to your readers. Thanks to both of you. ❤️

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Searching for the Words's avatar

Thank you, Linda. 😭

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Victoria's avatar

Watery eyes now, Patricia. Beautifully shared. May I share this article in the Dementia Anthology I've put together?

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Searching for the Words's avatar

Thank you, Victoria. I am honoured that you would want to share it. Is the anthology here in Substack?

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Victoria's avatar

https://www.carermentor.com/p/the-dementia-anthology?r=a9y7d&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

I've already added your name and a link to your Substack in the Directory.

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Searching for the Words's avatar

Thank you, Victoria. ❤️

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Victoria's avatar

Thanks, Patricia - I'll add your article this afternoon.

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Belinda's avatar

God bless Doug, and God bless you in this journey you would never in a million years have chosen. There are so many things we will not understand in this life. I have a hunch that beyond life here, all the questions we have now won't even matter. I love you both. May God be with you and use every drop of grief and pain, for his glory.

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Searching for the Words's avatar

Thank you, friend. God IS with us. ❤️

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