Poem: Greatest Loss

I have met people with memory loss and I have spent time with them and with their caregivers/families at a respite care center . The poem captures the frustrations and challenges and sense of loss I imagine people must be feeling when they see the changes that Alzheimer's brings about and yet I saw family members and caregivers soldiering on, under such difficult, trying circumstances. Bless them all for their patience and loving kindness. I enjoy visiting there, because we always have laughs and fun and it is wonderful to see everyone's smiles and to join in with their laughter. I consider the time I spend there to be a celebration of life...

Once I heard about Alzheimer disease,

That it is a long term good bye,

Doctors says that it's a,

Horrible disease , and it will slowly vanish your

dignity and pride,

Nurses says that ,she may go back to ,

Her childhood or may be she will act if she is,

Just five,

What doctor said was totally wrong,you

Will never and ever takes our mom,

Dignity,

You said that by washing her clothes, dressing her

She will loss her dignity,

We all will say no because she did

More for us ,

What nurses said was wrong too,

We all love to be at age 5,

Remembering our old friends,

Playing around ,

I will say age 5 is not that bad,

We all said that ,

She has changed ,

But even the mom's,

Love never changed

Every one say that Alzheimer is a long good bye ,

I will thank god to honor her

With love and care

She handles her

Mother with love and care,

They laugh and talk,

And the times flies,

Then she

Says

You are so sweet,

What your name?