Alzheimer’s is the thief that keeps on stealing, slowly robbing you of all things present and finally all things past. We just returned from a visit with my wife’s father, who has been confined in an Alzheimer’s unit 2500 miles away from us. Our visits are great while we are there. He keeps remembering less and less as he now turns 91. This poem shares some of my thoughts as I reflect on our time together.
Dad
Though your mind has grown dim
Your personality is much the same
A surprised smile when we arrive
Your desire for family information…
That will not stay long in your memory
Your warm smile and appreciation
Always there when we visit
Always there when the staff helps you
Always there when we say goodbye
While we are there your joy
Is new every morning
Pockets of the past are still filled
With memory coins slowly slipping out
Through that black hole in your brain
Our visits are joyful // you still get my jokes
You laughter is genuine and full
Though you still ask our names from time to time
You are present in the moment // a gift every time
In spite of all you have been through
You have adapted and applied Paul’s words,
“In whatever state I am in //
…there I will be content.”
You won’t remember any of this
When we’re gone
But you sure enjoyed our visit
While we were with you
*******************************************
Photo: Dwight L. Roth
His granddaughter Jen is walking for Justice to help young girls caught in Sex trafficking. See her story on her blog at:
https://walkingthewayforjustice.wordpress.com/2018/04/19/cafe-calvary/
I lost my mum to Alzheimer’s. It’s a cruel disease both for patient and their loved ones.
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Yes, it can be very debilitating for many! Thanks for your comment!
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I love this poem, Uncle Dwight! I’m glad you had a joyful visit with Grandpa.
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Thanks Jen! I appreciate your comment. We had a great visit. Thanks for reading my poems.
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I just added your blog site to the end of this post in case others might want to read about your walk for Justice.
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Awww 😦 your Dad is still handsome and he sure looks kind and compassionate! He’ll be in my prayers! He’s healed in Jesus Name! God make him remember all things in Jesus Name! God bless and keep you all! Much love! Xx
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Thank you so much for your kind comments and for your prayers. He is doing the best he can at this point in life!
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You’re welcome much Dwight!
Great to know that!
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Your poem is beautiful about your Dad! I am so glad you all enjoy your visits together 🙂
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Thank you. We try to make the most of every one!
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Poignant poem, Dwight! We lost my husband’s mother after 8 years with Alzheimers. It certainly is a slow thief and a long goodbye; yet we can be thankful for the sweet moments together.
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One day at a time is all we and they have together! Thank you Lynn!
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Heartbreaking. Wishing you and yours the best.
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Thank you very much!
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Beautiful, Dwight. How wonderful that the disease has not robbed him of his loving and caring personality.
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Yes, that is a real blessing for him and us!
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I love this. It hits home. I have a younger sister with Down’s Syndrome who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I know what’s down the road and am taking in every good moment we have together. 😊
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks Connie for your comment and for reading my post! Hope to see you Saturday!
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What a poignant read, Dwight. I like that his joys are new every morning. Here’s wishing your fam all the best!
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Thank you so much Vivian! I appreciate your kind wishes.
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🙂
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It sounds like you make a great impression on him everytime you visit. It’s true, the memory coins do slip away. Maybe he’s giving some to you when you come
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Yes, we collect all the memory coins we can!
Thanks Walter.
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🙂
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It’s always difficult , to see ones parents , slowly disappear down a place you can’t help them recover . Lovely words , thnx
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Yes, it really is… Thanks for your comment!
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Blessings Friend. My wife and I live with her Alzheimer’s.
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Thank you! That is a big challenge!!
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