alzheimers

she remembers her childhood like it was today
she remembers her friends and the games that they’d play
she remembers both when and where they used to roam
but she cannot remember how she can get home

She remembers the places of long, long ago
when she was a girl and could run fast or slow
she remembers the colors and smells of the hay
but she cannot remember where she is today

she remembers her parents and things they would do
the best one of all was that trip to the zoo
she remembers some things telling lies in her head
but she cannot remember where she keeps her bed

her memories are wonders for her to behold
of outings, vacations, and things she was told
it all seems brand new and so fresh in her mind
but she cannot recall who was just left behind

She remembers a world which is gone far away
she remembers a world which does not fit today
she remembers some things, and she knows they were good
but she cannot remember who feeds her the food

Her husband, and children have faded away
the home that she lived in is gone in the gray
her dusted up memories are now her today
but she cannot remember why things are this way

Andrew B Totten

Wow, that poem is spot-on.
TKU
Eileen

REMARKABLE ANDREW....THX FRIEND...ZOEY M

Touched my heart, I couldnt have done better.
Janice

Sounds to me like she remembers the important things. The things that shaped her life. That's a blessing, isn't it? The things she forgets seem to be far less important. --Jim

Fabulous, moving poem. Thanks for sharing!

I noticed, J. Matile, that you say you are from 'middle of nowhere Minnesota.' Just wanted you to know that I'm in Minnesota, too. Living on a lake. And I'm in the middle of Paradise. --Jim

that really hit home. thanks for sharing!

Full Circle of Care
Do not discuss me as if I am not present
My mind is foggy but my heart is clear.

Do not criticize my imperfections.
If only I could choose to remember even the simplest tasks

Do not criticize my frequent repetitive questions.
I am scared and confused.
Your answers slip from my desperate grasp.

Do not stop loving me because my actions are inappropriate.
Use patience and kindness to remind me of my manners for they have disappeared with other fragments of my mind.

Do not speak to me as a child.
I have a lifetime of experience despite my childlike ways.

Remind me of your name and the place you hold in my life.
I would love to recall, for I feel your love and kindness.
Show me the world, nature, music, art, for I have forgotten the amazing joy it holds.

Allow me to use the tools that remain, to hammer out my mark and unwrench my heart.


Forgive me for my imperfect past, if only I remembered, I would surely apologize.

You need not fill our time with many words.
Your presence helps fill my void.

The blame does not lie with you or me
Love me for who I am now and the person I used to be.

(Author unknown)