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

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend!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 journeyIf 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. Subscribe to the Pivotal People newsletter for new episodes, giveaways and more: https://stephanienelson.com/newsletter/ Learn more at StephanieNelson.comFollow us on Instagram  @stephanie_nelson_cmFollow us on Facebook at CouponMomOrder Stephanie's book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential