D-E-M-E-N-T-I-A © -- A Poem by Our Daughter...

Our daughter, Allison, started this poem (below) a while back, and completed it last year. I recently found it in one of my office drawers, read it again, and got a little teary-eyed.

Wanted to share it with our community here, as we're all dealing with this "monster" on a daily basis.

Our loved one is now in the "severe" phase, which we all know ramps up the challenges and stresses that caregivers, families and friends face from even the early stages of the disease. Hope everyone here is doing OK.

Little Reminder: It's our primary duty as caregivers to take of our ourselves first, so we can stay in shape and continue the support we provide our loved ones. Without us, I'm confident to say many of them would not be as well off. And I also know, that if we had been the ones to acquire the "monster" first, that they'd do all they could to take care of us and see this thing through.

/LarryG
_______________________
D- Dementia has gotten ahold.
Angry, ruthless, fierce and bold.
Robs her heart, steals her mind.
Sad and scary, what state I'll find?

E- Endless hours in search of peace,
Forgetful, tiring... please, release.
Cherishing the moments when she's clear,
Slipping from reality is my fear.

M- Many hours in search of things,
Pain and sorrow is what it brings.
Not believing the truth I tell,
This disease is surely hell.

E- Everything lost may not be found.
Daily struggles and prayers abound.
And she no longer recalls my name,
But it's all part of this evil game.

N- Never correct her when she's wrong,
Instead, cheer her up with a song.
Love can lift the spirit, it’s true.
The rest is a test that'll leave you blue.

T- Time races on, will confusion increase?
When stress takes its toll, let me find release.
If she wanders through the night,
Let calming words erase her fright.

I- If she forgets and no longer speaks,
Remind her that she's smart, unique.
Endless hours as the day forlorns.
What forgetfulness comes with the dawn?

A- At times, a ray of light will shine.
The sun gleams through, beautiful and fine.
Dear Mom... I love you... hope you know,
Both as your daughter and friend, I bestow.

By: Allison Moser, June 2024, © Copyrighted