I love this article, Dementia or Alzheimer can change the person completely, and to communicate with them is difficult or sometimes impossible, you think they are gone for good. But actually there’s hope, my gramma has TV in her room, and because of that she started learning numbers and letters again, and she’s repeating phrases she hears from TV, which is impressive, she can’t communicate like before but better than nothing.

Tears streaming down my face. I stayed away! Mommy please forgive me, I love you and miss you terribly.

Unfortunately, I don't know who wrote the poem. However, I do know the writers of the 35 caregiving stories (including mine and my co-author's) that are in my book, "What to Do about Mama?" Some of those stories brought me to tears, including "Maggie's Story." If you decide to read the book, maybe they will touch you, too. Barb

Wow! I really like this poem. It so reminds me of my Mom. I am sending a copy on to my siblings and father. Mom doesn't always remember how we connect but she knows she know us and loves us and knows we love her. Who wrote it?

Your article points out a valuable lesson: If someone has difficulty communicating, it doesn't mean they don't have feelings; they are just locked up; we should never make the assumption there is no key.

I received a letter from “Maggie” (“What to Do About Mama?” p. 146), who informed me of her husband’s passing. She shared a poem that was read at his funeral by their pastor. I would like to share it in turn with you.


Heart Memories

I remember you with my heart.
My mind won’t say your name.
I can’t recall where I knew you;
Who you were
Or who I was.

Maybe I grew up with you,
Or maybe we worked together,
Or did we bowl together yesterday?

There’s something wrong with my memory,
But, I do know you.
I know I knew you
And I do love you.

I know how you make me feel;
I remember the feelings we had together.
My heart remembers.
It cries out in loneliness for you,
For the feeling you give me now.

Today, I’m happy that you have come.
When you leave,
My mind will not remember
That you were here,

But my heart remembers.
Remembers the feeling of friendship
And love returned.

Remembers
That I am less lonely
And happier today,
Because you have come.

Please don’t forget me;
And please don’t stay away
Because of the way my mind acts.

I can still love you.
I can still feel you.
I can remember you with my heart;
And a heart memory is maybe
The most important memory of all.

For more information, visit my "What to Do about Mama?" blog: bgmatthewsblog.wordpress

Barbara M.

What I would have given to have this as a tool.when going through this with my wonderful mother. We (her family) were so lost and afraid. There was plenty of help for her physical needs but no help for the emotions that none of us knew what to do with. As a side note mom emigrated here from England in the '50's.