No Lone Rangers

Ellen’s husband, John, couldn’t remember which day it was. He forgot to change clothes. They received overdue bills that John insisted he had paid. A visit to their doctor confirmed Ellen’s worst fears: John was suffering from Alzheimer’s.

The next few years, Ellen stayed near her husband at all times. Eventually she had to help John with washing, dressing, and eating. He grew even more confused away from home, so she rarely left the house—even to attend church. Ellen tried to stay close to God through prayer and Bible study, but she sank into a mire of fear and depression. One day, her brother’s widow, Kate, called to catch up—and within days drove from a neighboring state to help.

“I’ve gone through this,” Kate said. “God doesn’t want you to handle it alone.” She almost forced Ellen to reestablish ties with her church and Bible study. She insisted Ellen see old friends. Kate also helped her sister-in-law connect with an Alzheimer’s support group and daycare for John. Rested and encouraged, Ellen took even better care of her husband.

Are you an Ellen today? Could you be a Kate to someone?