"In the Garden"
 

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 someone's parent or 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.


Carolyn's husband, Chuck, has Alzheimer's. She was his full-time caregiver until he was placed in a
facility in 1999. Carolyn's web site at http://www.caregiversarmy.org/Carolyn/ features her poetry
and her journal. Carolyn is also founder of Caregiver's Army.
__________________

Thank you for that poem Nik-Key.

I don't know exactly what you're going through because I've never been as close to Alzheimer's Disease as you are, and although my own DH's mother is in a Dementia Unit for the same illness, it just isn't the same for me as it is for you.

Having worked for 40 years as a nurse, I cared for hundreds... if not thousands of people ..... with dementia over the years and I have much empathy for what you go through every day of your life.

I think you do a wonderful job looking after "all" your family, but don't forget to look after Nik-Key, will you? :hug:

:hug: Nik-Key :hug:

That poem was beautiful. My Mom had Alzheimer's. My sister, also. She had early-onset Alzheimer's and passed away just this past January at 57.

It's the hardest thing to do - trying to care for a loved one that just keeps slipping farther and farther away from you. My Dad cared for my Mom at home until it became dangerous for both his and her health and well being. My BIL cared for my sister at home as long as he could, too. She was a tiny little thing but strong as an Ox and hard to keep up with.

I hate this disease with a passion. You lose your loved one twice....once while they are alive and then when they pass on.

I admire you for caring for your DH at home. It's not an easy task that's for sure. You have my prayers....:hug: