Janet W. Ferguson 
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Under the Southern Sun

my Father Sang Hymns

8/31/2017

18 Comments

 
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My father lived to be ninety-four years old. During those last years, his short-term memory eroded. While he could still do math, remember names and directions, he often couldn’t think of what to say in ordinary conversation. When he did think of something, with no short-term memory, he repeated the question or statement many times.
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Something like, “Did I tell you the story about getting that grandfather clock from the old post office in Cold Water, Mississippi?” -- times ten. Other times simple requests such as, “Have you seen my wallet?” came over and over. Sadly, the last few months he asked, “Is Helen really gone?” That would have been a nice one for him to forget, perhaps.
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It must’ve been isolating not being able to pull information forward and interact with others. As I’m over fifty now, I already struggle to locate the appropriate word or response, at times. I can only imagine how bad I will be if I make it another forty years!

There are two repetitive vocalizations I really miss about my father, though. One was, when he asked how old he was and found out it was in the ninety-year range, he always said, “The good Lord’s been good to me, letting me live this long.” The other thing he repeated was singing hymns. Well, mostly one hymn in particular, “How Great Thou Art.”

In the car, on the way to the doctor’s office, he’d sort of randomly ask, “Do y’all want to sing ‘How Great Thou Art’ with me?” What can you say to that, but yes? It was so sweet.  We sang the song at his request in the car, in his room, and he even sang the hymn to at least one of his doctors.

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No one in the family who was around my father those last years will ever hear “How Great Thou Art” and not think of him. Of course, we sang it at Daddy’s funeral. The thing is when I’m old-er, and my mind starts to go, I hope I remember to sing hymns. Or even just one hymn. Like my father.

​Do you have a favorite hymn?
18 Comments
Ann Ellison
8/31/2017 04:57:12 pm

Beautiful story. That was my mother. She couldn't remember a lot of things but knew all the words to the hymns. My favorite is Amazing Grace. My mom's name was Grace.

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Janet Ferguson
8/31/2017 07:58:58 pm

Hi Ann,
I love Amazing Grace. How sweet that it was her name. Bittersweet memories, for sure.
Blessings,

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Gaye Ferguson Hines
8/31/2017 05:48:10 pm

Wonderful memories of your father. Sweet tears falling.

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Janet Ferguson
8/31/2017 08:00:32 pm

Gaye,
Thank you. Sweet memories to hold onto, as I'm sure you do with yours.
Blessings,

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Karen
8/31/2017 08:43:39 pm

Such a sweet story! I really enjoy memories like this and it's a picture of your dad that everyone who reads it can appreciate.

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Janet Ferguson
8/31/2017 09:01:37 pm

Thank you! They are sweet memories. :)
Blessings

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Gail Hollingsworth
9/1/2017 05:05:53 am

Those are wonderful memories to have of your father. My mom is 82 and has been diagnosed with dementia. She has a hard time remembering many current things or finding the right words. When asked a question she will begin talking about something that happened forty years ago that had nothing to do with the question. I wish she would sing. Some days it's just hard getting even a smile from her.
I love hymns! That's what I grew up on in church. I miss them. Our church only does praise songs now. My favorite is Great is Thy Faithfulness.

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Janet Ferguson
9/1/2017 09:44:06 am

Hi Gail,
So sorry you are going through that struggle. I've been there with my mother. Sometimes reading and singing to your loved one, whether they respond or not, makes you feel better. I'm convinced they are still in there somewhere and will know somehow. I've heard that hearing is a sense that stays the longest. And God knows, for sure, that you are trying. I love "Great is Thy Faithfulness!" Yes, most churches do the praise songs. I love all music, but do miss the hymns.
Blessing, prayers, and hugs!
Janet

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Tina Morrow
9/1/2017 05:34:05 am

This is so beautiful!!

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Janet Ferguson
9/1/2017 09:38:46 am

Thank you, Tina! You are so kind to comment :)
Blessings,
Janet

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Kathy McKinsey link
9/1/2017 05:41:23 am

I agree--beautiful memories. I remember singing in the car with my dad, songs like, "You got a line, I got a pole, Honey" and "Mares eat oats and does eat oats."

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Janet Ferguson
9/1/2017 09:38:06 am

Oh how cute, Kathy! I am not sure I remember the one about the mare. I'll have to look it up. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings

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Debbie Callens
9/1/2017 10:20:57 am

Janet,
I have such fond memories of your parents. Your dad was quiet and I didn't know him as well. Helen was such an easy going person. She didn't let things bother her much, it seemed to me. Especially silly teenage girls! I love your articles!

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Janet Ferguson
9/1/2017 11:27:07 am

Hi Debbie,
Thank you so much for sharing your memories of my parents. They were truly sweet people! I'm so blessed to have been born to them. Thanks also for the encouragement about my writing :)
Blessings

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Becky Smith
9/1/2017 10:34:50 am

Those are such wonderful memories!! My husband was with a man who was dying and had been comatose for some time. The man's wife and my husband were singing hymns, and they could hear him humming along with them just before he stopped breathing!! My favorite hymn is "Living For Jesus": Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thine Atonement
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.
.
And I love the fourth verse:
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

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Janet Ferguson
9/1/2017 11:29:09 am

Oh Becky! What a story and song! It is amazing the power of music and praise. I need to look this song up and listen to it. I can't remember if I know it. Thank you for sharing!
Blessings

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Jackie Layton
9/1/2017 07:23:56 pm

What sweet memories. Today in contemporary services, we sing certain songs for a season. In traditional services, they sing songs from the hymnal. After hearing about your dad, I wonder if we'll even have favorite praise and worship songs to remember when we're 94.

Thanks for sharing, Janet.

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Ellie link
9/2/2017 04:25:31 pm

Watching parents age is SO difficult, but what a bright spot that your father loved that hymn. How Great Thou Art is also my favorite hymn with Great Is Thy Faithfulness coming in a close second.

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