How FiOP helped my family

Around eleven years ago my father, in his nineties, was failing and no longer able to say the daily office. As an Episcopalian priest this was part of his daily life & important to him. I asked FIOP if they could help me make a CD of Evening Prayer for him.

My father, known in the family as Trad Dad, lived in Dundee & on a visit I helped him choose the readings & prayers he wanted included, from the Prayer Book. Then a local friend, who is a priest in Edinburgh, took my husband & I to record the service at the music department of the University. When the CD was made there was also a large print copy for my father to use.

The CD was much appreciated & at his home, the day before he died we played it knowing that although apparently unconscious he may have been able to still hear it. The CD came back into our possession & 5 years later came back into play.

When I was looking for a Care Home for my husband, who is also a priest, there was only one which asked what his spiritual needs were. That was Erskine & when Ian is there the staff put on the CD of Evening Prayer for him before he goes through for his evening meal. Sometimes visitors join in with him & so hear Ian & reading the lessons & making the responses!

Thank you FIOP for enabling these two men to continue a part of their lives which they valued, despite having dementia.

Written by Gill Davidson