JOAN’S BLOG – FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2009 – POIGNANT POETRY

First I want to tell you that the responses to the “They are in There” blog have been incredible. On the message boards and in the e-mails, spouses have told me stories of their husbands/wives who have descended into the depths of Alzheimer’s Disease, only to resurface at unexpected times with words of love. The unequivocal answer is YES – They are in there. Thank you to everyone who wrote.

Today I would like to share with you another of “carewife’s (joyful)” beautiful poems. She has been writing poetry about her dear husband’s battle with Alzheimer’s Disease since the beginning until the end, which came in February. I have printed much of it. This was written about 4 years into the journey. I think many of you will be able to relate to it.

For a moment in time,
The swirling mists in his brain lifted
His gaze became direct and intelligence 
Once again became evident as he looked
At me.

Whats wrong ? I asked with concern,
I want to find myself, was the reply,

Oh! How to comfort my beloved when  I myself can find no comfort,
How frightening
it would be  to not know my identity amidst the ever new and changing strangers around me.

Oh Lord, show me what to do and say,
To this sweet and vulnerable man who is my soul mate.
Then the words come from the depths of my being,

Oh my love!, you are still a person with a soul untouched by this disease,
In the essence of your being,  you are complete and whole,
With a name and history of many accomplishments behind you,
You may not be able to recall these things but I remember,  I remember!

Some day when God receives you unto himself
And you are made whole again,
You will find yourself,
Until  then I will guard this knowledge of your unique being
And with all my love and dedication remind you of who you are

I will face this relentless foe with a resolve
To keep my sweethearts sense of being intact
Until he himself will awaken from this horror
And say with joy to his Lord, Here I am, your creation
I was lost within myself, and once again I am found.
                           
Copyright  2003  Joyce Yates

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