Thought For The Day – Wednesday 20^th September 2023

In April of this year, in a women’s football international match, England players, the Lionesses,  wore each other’s shirts after half time.  A third of the players wore nameless shirts throughout the game.

In July of this year,  in a men’s cricket international match, England players wore each other’s shirts before the game.   One of the three wickets was different from the other two.

Both events highlighted the vital role positive memories play in our lives.  What are our most happy memories?

Beautifully and wonderfully, these two superb sporting teams were raising awareness of an absolutely vital issue.

They were highlighting the confusion and memory loss people with Dementia suffer.

They were also pointing out that 1 in 3 people in the U.K. develop Dementia.

Dementia is the progressive loss of functions of the brain such as language,  perception,  problem-solving remembering and thinking.  It is caused by different illnesses that affect the brain that lead to a loss of nerve cells. These nerve cells cannot be replaced.

The two awareness-raising sporting events above were organized by the Alzheimer’s Society. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of Dementia. The symbol of the Alzheimer’s Society, pictured below,  is a “forget-me-not”, a small blue flower that represents remembrance.

Before the cricket match mentioned above began, a choir of people suffering from Dementia movingly sang “Jerusalem”.

Tomorrow, 21st September, is World Alzheimer’s Day.

We deeply think about all who suffer, and have suffered, because of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.  These people show the greatest resilience in the most challenging circumstances. Those we love are always our inspirations and they always guide us.

We think about all those who unconditionally care for, and love,  those who suffer, deeply thinking of families, carers, doctors, nurses and charities.

We think about all who ethically, expertly, scientifically and tirelessly research cures and develop pastoral and medical care and treatments.

We treasure love and memories.