Honor Thy Mother: A Son's Journey Through Dementia Care

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David Dingess shares his deeply personal journey of caring for his mother through her Alzheimer's diagnosis and the complex realities of elder care. This conversation explores how faith, compassion, and surrender became essential tools when confronted with circumstances beyond his control.
• Recognizing early signs of Alzheimer's can be difficult, especially when eccentric personality traits mask cognitive decline
• Elder financial abuse devastated David's mother's savings when a "friend" gained control of her accounts and turned her against her son
• Legal preparation through power of attorney documents and consultation with elder care attorneys is crucial before cognitive decline progresses
• The principle "you can't argue with irrational" helped preserve their relationship during difficult interactions
• Transitioning a parent to assisted living requires balancing their desire for independence with safety concerns
• Professional caregivers demonstrate extraordinary compassion and become emotional anchors for both patients and families
• Prayer became David's essential coping mechanism, deepening his relationship with God through this challenging season
• The wisdom "don't try to whip your daddy" taught David to stop fighting God's plan and surrender to the journey
If you're caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, David's book "I've Got My Gun" shares his complete story and the lessons he learned along the way. To summarize David's top 10 lessons:

Follow your calling
When you feel compelled to do something deep inside, listen—it’s a sign of purpose.

Share your story
Facts may be debated, but your personal experience carries an unshakable truth.

Look for grace in hardship
Even in struggle, notice the repeated moments where help, love, or faith show up.

Face reality with courage
Naming the truth, even when it hurts, is the first step to wise action.

Balance honor with safety
Sometimes caring well means making hard choices that protect someone despite their protests.

Ask for expert help early
Complex challenges require guidance—don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed.

Trust unexpected openings
When doors open in unlikely ways, see them as more than coincidence.

Let hardship transform you
Trials can deepen compassion, strengthen faith, and grow resilience.

Don’t argue with irrational
Preserve relationships by stepping away when emotions or confusion take over.

Surrender control
Stop wrestling with the way things “should” be—trust that God’s way may be better.

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Chapters

1. Introduction to David Dingus (00:00:00)

2. Noticing the Early Signs (00:04:37)

3. Elder Abuse and Financial Devastation (00:06:09)

4. Diagnosis and Legal Planning (00:09:43)

5. Transitioning to Memory Care (00:15:47)

6. Finding God in the Journey (00:22:27)

7. Life Lessons and Moving Forward (00:31:21)