I just read this and had to bring it here.


Pray for me, I was once like you.
Be kind and loving to me,
That's how I would have treated you.
Remember I was once and still am
your spouse, I had a life
and a dream for the future.

Speak to me, I can hear you
even if I don't understand
what you are saying.
Speak to me of things in my past
of which I can still relate.
Be considerate of me,
my days are such a struggle.


Think of my feelings because
I still have them and can feel pain.
Treat me with respect because
I would have treated you that way.


Think of how I was
before I got Alzheimer's;
I was full of life, I had a life,
laughed and loved you.


Think of how I am now,
my disease distorts my thinking,
my feelings, and my ability
to respond, but I still love
you even if I can't tell you.


Think about my future
because I used too.
Remember I was full of hope
for the future just
like you are now.


Think how it would be
to have things locked
in your mind and can't
let them out.

I need you to understand
and not blame me, but Alzheimer's.
I still need the compassion
and the touching and most of all
I still need you to love me.


Keep me in your prayers because
I am between life and death.
The love you give will
be a blessing from God
and both of us will live forever.


How you live and what you do today
will always be remembered in the heart
of the Alzheimer's Patient.


Copyrighted © Carolyn Haynali 3/10/00

Thank you, Joyce. When we lose patience, we should read that poem.
joang

Thank you for the poem. I needed that today. It reminded me of a website with a poem, you can also down load it to MP3 file. I have it on my MP3 player. "Through the Eyes of Alzheimer's" http://www.caregiversarmy.org/care/through.shtml Warning it will make you cry.
Barbarakay