My parents were fortunate enough to receive excellent care during their illness. But there are many people in Polk County who cannot afford care and are left alone to try to exist with this devastating illness. With this in mind, I have established the William Edward Austin and Martha Holtzclaw Austin Alzheimer’s and Dementia Fund at Holy Cross Episcopal Church. These monies will be available to people in the Polk County region that have a medical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or Dementia. My parents would be humbled that they would be able to help someone who could not help themselves.

This poem spoke to me as I was writing this article and I wanted to share it with you.

As the rain hides the stars,

as the autumn mist hides the hills,

happenings of my lot

hide the shining of Thy face from me.

Yet, if I may hold Thy hand

in the darkness,

it is enough;

since I know that,

though I may stumble in my going,

Thou dost not fall.

~ Alistair Maclean

– article by The Rev. Deacon Marilyn Walters