Sylvia Wynter's Dream

“The Echoes

of Faith”

Doris sat in her favorite pew at a small church in Orlando, Florida. The sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the walls. She hummed along to the hymns, swaying gently to the music, her joy radiating through the congregation. Doris was well-known in the community for her unwavering faith and dedication to the church but little did they all know, there was a secret world inside her mind, a world that flourished even as her memory faded.

Doris, with a heart full of compassion, spent her entire career as a nurse in Florida. Her deep connection to her patients and the joy she found in taking care of others made nursing her true calling. Doris had a kind smile that reassured people in very difficult situations of their lives. Her voice comforted, while her hand touched many lives in need. She took refuge in the sanctuary of the pew among the familiar faces, soothed by the melodious rhythm of the hymns from her early childhood. She had passed through triumphs, struggles, tears, and unflinching faith in her church. It was this faith that helped her survive the most trying moment of her life, when her life was forever altered for good.

Her love for God remained steadfast, but her mind began to betray her as she was diagnosed with dementia. Slowly, her memories slipped away like grains of sand falling through her fingers. It shattered her world. She realized that everything she knew, her identity, and her ability to perform her beloved profession would all slowly slip away. Yet, despite this cruel twist of fate, Doris’ faith was unshaken. As Doris grew older, the signs of dementia began to surface. When simple tasks became challenging and she would often forget the names of familiar faces, it was time for her to relocate to Jamaica where she could be cared for properly.

Determined to support Doris during this difficult time, her family made the difficult decision to move back to her native Jamaica. They believed that the familiarity of her homeland would provide some level of comfort and support as she navigated through the challenges of her condition and her love for the church stayed resilient. Every Sunday, she would dress in her finest clothes, clutching her well-worn Bible, and make her way to the beloved sanctuary.

Her life can be summarized in two words: faith and resilience. Despite the challenges life threw her way, Doris was steadfast in her devotion to God and was a regular presence at the local church, known for her unwavering commitment and infectious spirit. As the years went by, Doris’ hair turned into threads of silver, and her body grew frail, but her faith only grew stronger.

As Doris’ memory deteriorated, the church members rallied around her, ensuring she never missed a service. They understood that her faith was what anchored her in this confusing journey. She may have been diagnosed with dementia, but in her heart and soul, she remained the same woman of faith and grit that the world had grown to know and love.