No new book review today, just a picture framed poem given to me by my friends and neighbors, Bruce and Rita H. As most of you are aware Mrs. T., My dearly beloved wife Barb, is now in memory care. I cried when I read these words the first time, but now I think they and might be very helpful for all those who meet friends, who are in the final stages of that horrible disease.
Alzheimer's request
Do not ask me to remember.
Don't try to make me understand,
kiss my cheek and hold my hand.
I'm confused beyond your concept,
I'm sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you,
to be with me at all cost.
Do not lose your patience with me,
do not scold or curse or cry.
I can't help the way I'm acting,
I can't be different though I try.
Just remember that I need you,
that the best of me is gone.
Please don't fail to stand beside the me,
'til my life is gone.
Author not known.
Posted by Troutbirder (ray)
Troutbirder: Stories Past and Present of The Nature Loving Life
Troutbirder II
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very nice share Ray, I have been around it a lot.
ReplyDeleteSo true, and so very, very sad.
ReplyDeleteGood advice. Not much else we can offer, but this is enough.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you both. If the tables were turned she would be there for you just as you are for her. It's the true meaning of love.
ReplyDeleteIt brings tears to my eyes, too, TB. It's something that most of us fear, losing our ability to communicate and be the self we used to be. Thank you so much for sharing that poem.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I think, one way or another, most of us know this disease.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful Ray! Thanks for sharing. My heart goes out to you and Barb as you travel this heartbreaking journey.
ReplyDeleteAnybody who's had any experience with this disease will easily recognize the truth. It's difficult for all to deal with this disease.
ReplyDeleteThose words produced watery eyes. Thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteThat was lovely and heartbreaking. My dad suffered dementia in his late eighties until he passed away at 93. We did our best for him and loved him till the end. It is such a heart wrenching disease and hopefully, someday soon, they will find a way to cure it.
ReplyDeleteI did not notice before that you had two blogs, but now I know and will follow you on both.
I have already told my family the first part, Do not ask me to remember, if it should happen to me.
ReplyDeleteAw, that is beautiful. I hope there is a poem for those who are caring for a loved one with dementia. It just so hard on everyone.
ReplyDeleteHi Ray - I can quite understand why the poem resonates ... so sad and so difficult to adjust to the new situation. Take care and with lots of thoughts - Hilary
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful reminder of what we can do for those we love who are slowly leaving us.
ReplyDeleteHi Ray. Last December I thought I was about ready to give up blogging. After 8 years publishing John's Island I didn't seem to have a plan to move forward. I didn't post at all during January or February. But I did have a new year's resolution ... to start doing a 3-mile walk every day. That was a tall order for one who hadn't been doing any exercise at all. I did start the walks. In February I only missed a couple of days due to our Snowmageddon. (Our biggest snow storm in 30 years.) By the first of March I was ready to take on a new challenge ... Start taking some pictures during my daily walks and post them on John's Island. So far this month I haven't missed a day. The good thing is ... I'm feeling much better. The downside ... I've missed a lot of what has been going on with fellow bloggers in recent months. Now, having said all that ... I was so saddened to come here to troutbirder and see that Barb has been put into memory care. My heart goes out to you and Barb. I will definitely put the two of you on my prayer list. The poem, Alzheimer's request, is just wonderful. Thank you for sharing. And thank you for stopping by my blog and your kind comments. Take good care Ray! John
ReplyDeleteI helped to care for my wonderful Grandpa when he had Alzheimer’s and i know something of how heartbreaking it is. This is a wise poem. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry this is happening to Mrs T, I know you are there holding her hand when you can.
ReplyDeleteThe poem is good to help us know what we are to do. I am sure love makes us all do those things without being reminded. Stay as strong as you can and give yourself some break as you travel through this very difficult time. I am sorry for you and happy that your wife has your support in all that you can do.
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