I recognize there are different stages and levels of dementia and corresponding effects, but what I have noticed in some dear people that I have known that have struggled with dementia is that it seems there are some things they never forget – or at least, they hold on to some memories longer than others.  I noticed this with a dear sweet lady named Pat Parenteau.  She struggled with her short-term memory, but there were things that she never forgot.

I heard it in my own personal conversations with “Miss P” (my name for her) in the last few years of her life.  Because of her dementia, she would often repeat questions.  Here were two of the questions she often repeated to me: “How’s everybody at church?”  “How is your Mama?”  She loved my Mom, and my Mom – and countless others – loved her.

How is it that many people with dementia are able to remember certain things?  Why is it that there seem to be memories that we retain longer than others?

Here’s my theory, as I learned it from “Miss P”: she may have been fuzzy about many things, but the memories that she continued to retain mostly had to do with people that she loved.

Jesus Christ instituted a memorial with His disciples that is to be kept by all followers of Jesus until He comes again (see Matthew 26:26-29).  It is called “the Lord’s Supper” or “communion.” 

The Apostle Paul recounted the Lord’s instructions for the observance of the Supper, reminding the Christians in Corinth that Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (see 1 Corinthians 11:17-30).

Why would Jesus institute this supper and expect His followers to “remember Him” in this way?

Because the supper commemorates Jesus’ death on the cross for the sins of the world.  Jesus paid the price for our redemption by taking the punishment for our sins upon Himself (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:24).  Those who accept His offer of salvation will receive forgiveness and eternal life (Romans 6:23).

Jesus loves us so much that He gave His life on the cross to save us.  He rose again the third day to give us hope beyond the grave.  Through Him, we can be reconciled to God.  Only those who accept His offer on His terms can truly remember Him in the observance of the Lord’s Supper with gratitude for what Jesus did for us.

Jesus said, “Remember Me…”  This we should do with love, gratitude, and submission to His will.

-- David A. Sargent