I am new to this board and wanted to say hi to everyone Yesterday I participated in the Memory Walk 2009 in my hometowm and I have to say it was one of the most moving experiences I have had recently. Everyone at the event was so upbeat and so enthusiastic to make a change. I cannot wait until it comes to my town again next year, I will be sure to participate each year. During the opening ceremony there was an extremely moving prayer that was read and it spoke right to my heart. It made me think so much that I sat down last night and wrote a poem about my grandfather. He lived with this awful disease for at least 10 years and being with him through all of the things that came along with it I will never forget. What an amazing man. One thing that I keep close to my heart that is through it all no one ever took away his sense of humor. I would like to share what I wrote, hoping that the words may touch someone as the words I heard yesterday touched me. I hope you enjoy it.

My Number One Guy

Arms so strong, once lifted me up to the sky.
Eyes so bright, looked out for me every step of the way.
Ears so sharp, listened to my words good or bad.
Feet so fast, walked me through life, danced into my heart.
Hands so soft, held mine as I grew into who you wished.
Mind so alive, gave me wisdom, love and laughter.
All of my love held in your palm.
But…
Somewhere the flip of the hourglass changed it all.
Arms once so strong, now hold me for stability.
Eyes once so bright, look at me yet stare right through.
Ears once so sharp, hear my words but cannot understand.
Feet once so fast, shuffle slowly on days that are rare.
Hands once so soft, I hold just so you know I am here.
Mind once so alive, taking your dignity away in front of my eyes.
A person once so beautiful, pulled out of this world piece by piece.
My love stronger yet.
Now…
I may have lost you twice on this earth but never again.
I carry you with me each day, you go where you once couldn’t.
You are perfect now with your mind and body just as it was.
As it was before life struck you with what I would never wish.
Your thoughts, your memories are clear, your eyes shine.
Nothing can take away the dignity you worked so hard to build.
Nothing will ever hurt you. You are beautiful once again.
And…
I will always love you.

Welcome Amb! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful poem, obviously written from the heart and your precious memories of your grandfather. Yes, he was an amazing man, but also a lucky man to have such a loving grandchild as you.

When did your grandfather pass away? Blessings to you for keeping his memory alive and for advocating for a cure for Alzheimer's Disease.

Mari

AMB - A truly beautiful poem and so true.

Thank you for sharing it. I lost my mom on August 8, 2009 and she will always remain in my heart.

Thanks for sharing your poem. I am sitting here crying. I am doing the memory walk on Halloween this year. I hope it is as memorable for me and my family.

My dad never lost his sense of humor either. Even in the hospital the week he died, he was still telling jokes. Didn't have a clue about anything else, but he never lost his jokes.

Thank you so much! Your words truly mean a lot. The poem was very therapeutic for me to write and I am glad you all enjoyed it...Mari- My grandfather passed away a little over two years ago but it still feels like yesterday. Thank you for your kind words. Lisa and SueGail don't ever lose the good memories and the thought of how strong the human spirit really is. SueGail good luck on your walk!!

Amb678,
Beautiful!
Thank you for sharing and sorry I missed it the first time posted.
Come often and share with us your knowledge and wisdom...you know we all need it.
Sheryl