A Mothering Sunday prayer for families living with dementia

Mother and son – Elsie and Revd Peter Crumpler

Revd Peter Crumpler is reflecting on his late mother’s life this weekend. Elsie lived with dementia in her later years and died in 2021 at the age of 97.

The prayer-poem he wrote honouring her life, love and care for him appears in Christianity Today.

Dear mum,

You raised me, and now hardly know me.

You gave me birth, helped me to walk,

Took me to school and showed me what good decisions look like.

You helped me to flourish, to learn, to grow,

And you released me to live my life

And have a family of my own.

Sadly, now dementia has descended and so many memories have drifted into mist.

You may vaguely recognize this man who stands before you,

Yet I'm grateful for all you did for me.

I thank God for the upbringing I had,

And I thank God for all you did to help make me

The man that I am.

This Mother's Day, may you - and all mothers - know God's presence with you, In the knowledge that God knows you in your innermost being, knows you as a unique creation,

And may you be surrounded by God's love,

As you are surrounded by mine.

Amen

Revd Peter Crumpler is a Church of England minister in St Albans, Herts, UK, and a former communications director with the Church of England.

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