Stolen Memories
by Lynda Everman, Don Wendorf
Category: Religion

Dementia steals memories—creative stitchery crafts can hold memories. Stolen Memories: An Alzheimer’s Stole Ministry and Tallit Initiative describes the use of hand-sewn, individualized stoles and stole-style tallitot in advocacy for Alzheimer’s and related dementias. These beautiful pieces of liturgical art can increase awareness, prompt discussion, begin an educational process, promote dementia-friendly faith communities, and give honor to those affected by Alzheimer’s. Pastors wear them in the pulpit or as they conduct services, particularly during national days of awareness or remembrance of those affected by dementia or their caregivers and loved ones. Chaplains wear them in pastoral visits or special services for people in assisted living or memory-care units. Advocates wear them as they speak at churches, synagogues, conferences, or training sessions, or as they make visits to their representatives in Congress to lobby for increased funding for research, as well as treatment and care for persons living with dementia and their care partners. Included are simple step-by-step instructions and photos on how readers can piece and sew their own stoles and tallitot, along with many photos of clergy wearing them and their personal reflections on the stoles/tallitot and their meaning to them.