After writing columns each month beginning in July 2000, I ceased for over a year. I want to tell you why. My darling wife, Ann, was in her 13th year of Alzheimer's. Although a top neurologist believes it started in 2003; it was positively diagnosed in 2008. Ann continued to battle this devastating disease. For several years after the diagnosis she was able to travel with me or else stay home alone. In 2012 that changed. At that time she had to give up driving and needed someone with her all the time.
A caregiver was with Ann during the day and kept her on the go while I continued to teach at Troy Unniversity. On February 1 of this year, she moved into the wonderful Memory Unit of Wesley Gardens here in Montgomery, Alabama, just two miles from our home. I go to visit her almost every evening in her private room. At times I stay all night with her. On some week-ends I bring her home. I take her out to visit family and continue to take her to church functions and half of the Sundays I preach at the chapel service in Wesley Gardens as I have done for the past couple of years. Here is a recent post I made on Facebook.
This message is for all, but especially for young people: Ann and I are committed to each other. Marriage is to mirror Christ's commitment to the Church. It is not just how well the other person is meeting your needs. It is for better or worse. May God bless all of you who read this--especially young people contemplating marriage, planning to get married, or recently married.