My Aunt had Alzheimers and now My parents both have it ,
By weemam
@weemam (13372)
June 28, 2007 8:09am CST
I wrote this years ago when a very special aunt ( MARY) was dying , she had Alzheimer's , and now my parents both have it , they are both still in their own home and I am still able to look after them , I just try not to think too far into the future and make every day as special as I can for them , they are 2 brilliant people aged 88 and 89 xx
ALZHEIMERS
Please stop and think
Because as we get old
We don't always remember
The things we are told
We remember the stories
Of times that have passed
And especially the good things
As we want them to last
But something you said at the start of the day
Oh! What was that?
What did you say?
You really don't want me
To store every thought
There must be some things
Even you have forgot
Where did I come from?
Where did I go?
I'm getting upset
As my brain it's too slow
I was a Mum with two kids on the go
I'm here in this home now
Don't know who I am
Don't know if my name is
Mary or Nan
But please do remember
And please always care
As the person I was
Is still in here somewhere
6 people like this
13 responses
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
28 Jun 07
I think Alzheimers is one of the most tragic of diseases. Usually the person's physical body is healthy and sound much longer than their mind. And they slowly disappear right in front of you.
They become more and more dependent on their family or care-givers and frequently resent it more and more.
I send you my thoughts and you are in my prayers. It is an enormous responsibility.
1 person likes this
@aidonia (4209)
• Greece
28 Jun 07
It's little after the midnight and is time for another poem from my friend....lol:
It's lovely as always.You are LOVELY person may be for these.How else someone can write so nice poems for each person she loves?
They aren't just few nice poems but each one is a way to say someone *You are specially for me and I love you very much*.
@abbey19 (3106)
• Gold Coast, Australia
2 Jul 07
Hi weemam. Thank you for that heartfelt poem and giving us an insight into how it must feel to be a sufferer of Alzheimers. Your parents are so lucky to have you for the loving, caring daughter that you are. Let's hope that the medical profession find out more about it soon so that we don't have to go through the same as your parents. You are one strong lady weemam, determined, and very active mentally and physically, so your chances of getting it are lessened anyway. I believe in the power of prayer to comfort and guide us in everything we do, and I know that it is so for you too. You and your family are in my prayers. xx
@someincome (785)
• India
1 Jul 07
First of all weemam, I'd like to say, may God bless your aunt's soul. And may your parents live a happy healthy life past 100! :)
Its a wonderful poem you've written and its quite sensitively written. The little aspects are pointed out sharply.
@GardenGerty (160697)
• United States
28 Jun 07
Dear friend, you are doing quite a job there. It takes a very special pair of eyes to see the people that are hidden inside these almost strangers. It is good that you can express yourself with your poetry as it deals with the emotions and difficulties in a positive way. Like everything else, Alzheimers is different in different people, and proceeds at different rates. It could be scary for you to remember your aunt, then to look at your parents. Please remember to try to get a chance to care for yourself in all your busy caregiving of others.
1 person likes this
@weemam (13372)
•
28 Jun 07
I know just what you mean pal Dads is vascular and mums is Alzheimer's but she is now on aricept , dad isn't a suitable candidate for aricept , at the moment they both know who I am , My aunt recognized me to the end and no-one else , I just hope my parents are the same with me , it will break my heart if they don't know me , I know to expect it but I don't want to think about it xx
@eaforeman6 (8979)
• United States
29 Jun 07
I would first like to say that I am very sorry to hear this. I would like to know if you feel that the cases of this are increasing in the world.? If you do feel that they are , wht do you feel this way? You write very beautifully and thats touching. I appreciate you sharing that with us.
@healer (1779)
• India
28 Jun 07
This disease is also called as old men's disease, anyway most of the oldies are infected by it. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, but scientific research is bringing us closer to a cure every day. Outstanding progress has already been made in unraveling the mysteries of Alzheimer's disease, including what causes it and what happens in the brain as the disease progresses. New understandings about these processes have already provided critical information about how doctors might prevent, delay, stop or even reverse the nerve cell damage that leads to the devastating symptoms of Alzheimer's. All around the world, scientists and pharmaceutical companies are now racing to develop treatments that address the underlying disease processes, some of which (or a combination of which) might effectively solve the Alzheimer's puzzle.
1 person likes this
@aprilgrl (4460)
• United States
28 Jun 07
Your parents are very lucky to have you to look after them :-) You are very strong and have the curage I am so proud of you of what and who you are. Remember one step at a time my family used to say that all the time. Thanks for sharing.
1 person likes this
@charms88 (7538)
• Philippines
28 Jun 07
Awww weemam. I do not know whether to feel sad or cry with what you wrote. I don't have any first hand knowledge in dealing with Alzheimer's disease but I know it is not easy to be in that condition.
You spoke of how an Alzheimer feel. Its like they are trapped in their own world and can't seems to connect with our world. I'm glad that you are still in high spirit and in your best element. You are one courageous soul, my friend.
1 person likes this
@PrincessScarlett (53)
• China
28 Jun 07
so sad...I'm really sorry to hear that
but u need to be strong u'll definitely get over it
always remember that there r people in ur heart who 'r never gone
cheer up! cherish the ones who u love and who love u
life 's bittersweet but that's what life means
just let it be
wish u good luck
1 person likes this
@alysya (159)
• Philippines
9 Sep 07
You know what.. I'm really afraid of that illness.. Iat 28, I started to forget things a lot, as in... what happens yesterday I simply can't remember... I end up loosing money, someone borrows and I can't remebr when, is it paid already or not, am i just to silly to forget things like that, for always forgetting... is it a segn of alzeimer's? Im sorry for asking I know your not a doctor, i just hope your somewhat knowledgeable of this illness...
@weemam (13372)
•
9 Sep 07
I think you ate too young but it isn't impossible , If you are woried at all go se yor doctor , It can just be a case of you have too mch on your mind , It would save you a lot of worry if you go to your Doctor my friend , You could be making yourself ill with worry xxx
