Grandpa Forgets (Part 2)

Pink and yellow balloons hung around the living room. Blue and lavender streamers twisted their way across the ceiling. A big sign reading "Happy 8th Birthday, Maddie" was hanging over the sofa. Many of Maddie's aunts, uncles, and cousins were already there when Grandpa and Grandma arrived. Grandma immediately went around the room and gave everyone a hug. But Grandpa stood by the door, a lost, confused expression on his face. "Who are these people?" he asked. "They're your children and grandchildren, dear," said Grandma. Maddie noticed that Grandma sounded like she was talking to a small child. I guess that's because Grandpa has Alzheimer's disease and forgets a lot of things, she thought. Maddie walked over to her grandpa and slipped her hand into his. "I'm glad you came to my party."Grandpa looked down at Maddie, and a soft smile spread over his face. He patted her head clumsily, and for a moment she thought he was going to be like he'd always been. But then he said, "Is this your house, little girl?" "Of course, Grandpa," Maddie replied. "I'm Maddie--remember? You've been here lots of times." When Maddie and her dad were cleaning the kitchen after the party, Maddie closed the dishwasher door with a bang. "Why does Grandpa have to have Alzheimer's?" she muttered. "I can't think of a single reason why God would let it happen." "Neither can I," said Dad, and Maddie's eyes widened. "That surprises you, doesn't it?" said Dad. Maddie nodded. "Grandpa's Alzheimer's disease is sad," Dad said, "and just as he often can't understand what's happening around him, we sometimes can't understand why such sad things happen in life. God doesn't ask us to understand, but He promises to be with us in difficult times. Jesus understands our pain and sadness, and He's there to strengthen and comfort us when we're hurting. One day, when He comes again to get rid of sin, sickness, and death forever and make all things new, He will wipe all our tears away." "So I guess I just have to keep trusting Jesus even when I feel like crying," said Maddie. "He'll help me through it.""Yes," said Dad. "And He will cry with you." -Carol J. Brookman