Angrily she cries, screaming that she is late
pushing for the door, she pulls free of their grip
She is the teacher, the doctor, the mother
her memories are lost, confusion taking their place
Her family listens to stories of her past
adding details or lending words when frustration sets in
they play music she knows, take her out
keeping her active, they know is the key
A soft melody drifts across the room
closing her eyes, she sinks deeper into her chair
A memory floats past her
taking her back to a familiar field of yellow flowers
Author notes
Alzheimers is a terrible disease. It holds the soul and mind of the person hostage. They become angry and sometimes violent for no logical reason. But I think it has a lot to do with being confused and not being able to control the situation. I worked at a home for people with Alzheimers and it was an experience that blessed my heart.
We played music from their childhood and young adult days, we did things their families said they used to enjoy doing, we took them to church, for walks... engaged them in conversation.
I saw what the disease can do and I understand how important it is to have someone who is educated about the effects of the disease to help those who care for someone with Alzheimers cope with the changes their loved ones will be experiencing.
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Comments
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My mother forgets everything after one hour they have happened, she is aware of that and just as Justbreathe's mother, she does make joke about. It's sad though to see how such an active mind loses its power and fades in forgetfulnesses.
Very touching poem you have here Criss
Mari
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My mother suffered from Alzheimer's before she died. I consider us lucky in how the disease progressed. Instead becoming angry and frustrated by what she could not remember, she began to laugh at her inability to remember, and made little jokes. Alzheimer's seemed to have freed her from all the anger and disappointment that had consumed much of her life. Because of that mixed blessing, we were able to heal some emotional scars, and we were both at peace by the time she died. I also gave support to several friends who's parents were suffering from the disease. The one thing I told them was the importance of taking care of themselves ... and keeping a sense of humor. Sometimes humor was the only thing that held me together. Thank you for writing on such an important subject.
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Criss,
My father-in-law is getting into the advanced stages of Alzheimer's and the Parkinsons has now set in also. It is a truly special person that can help a person with this affliction to have some enjoyment when they are so confused inside because of the dementia that has deteriorated their brain cells. This one touched me deeply because of the personal closeness it has. You are an angel that God has blessed all lucky enough to be graced by your presence. Thank you for this. Love you, Joyce 
XOXOXOXOXO
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Joyce,
I am sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Alzheimers is a difficult disease to deal with. Love him... that is the only thing you can do.
xoxo, Criss
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Honesty
You told me a lie Criss......you said that you weren't good all of the time...well this is 2 from 2. It is a plague that gets ignored far too much and I commend you for your passion here. You are a young person with an old soul, but you have been told that before.......Well done I hate this illness. -
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Thank you for your compliment. I have been told that before, you are right. Many people think I have an old soul. I think it has a lot to do with the things I have been through.
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If published elsewhere, be sure to let me know so I can give first publishing credit where deserved. This is important.
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You are in the finals. In an IM to me, please write a very concise third-person bio, using your author name.
Include a few of your most important previous publications if you wish.
Below that write a very short few lines of your personal connection to Alzheimer's such as if your loved one has the disease or if you are a nurse or personal care assistant, etc. and your thoughts. Please make this very brief.
My receipt of this IM will be proof of permission to publish your bio, thoughts, and poem on my blog in the neighborsgo section of the Dallas Morning News online and in print as well if it is selected by the Editors. Thank you for sharing your lovely poem.
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A few years back when I was in the dentists office a women and her mother came in. After listening to them
chatting awhile I observed that her husband had passed
and she was having memory spells (possible early stage
Alzheimer)
The daughter kept "reminding" mom of stuff and in speaking of the husband she said,
"He loved you very much"
To which mom replied, "Do you think so?"
The daughter said, "Yes, and I believe he's in heaven
and watching over us right now..."
The mom replied, "Yes I suppose, but let's hope
he's not watching TOO CLOSELY."
I felt sad for her condition but I also had to chuckle
to myself at her last remark and thought to myself
that's true for most of us. How different might we
act if we knew ALL of what we are doing was being
watched right now...
Have a lovely week...
Hugs...Eddy
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I love yellow flowers. What a fond memory this must be for those who can remember. I also worked at a Nursing Home on the Alzheimer's and Dementia floor. Some days it was more than I could handle and I was educated on how to care for those with this mental illness, disease. I also witnessed the pain and suffering of loved ones because their parents did't know who they were. My grandmother nearly ran away from my dad, fearing that he was a stranger out to do her harm, and it was truly a sad day for him.
Your poem depicts their dilemma with accuracy. Very well written dear little sister. I wish you well in the challenge.
Much Love Always ♥
Renee
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Beautiful Renee,
I saw a lot of that confusion that you mentioned where your grandmother ran away from your dad thinking he was going to harm him. It is so sad when a wife cant remember her husband or a mom cant remember her children. The pain that causes, I saw on the faces of their loved ones.
I had a gentleman who was an avid catholic, he insisted on 2 things, going to church (he thought it was sunday every day) and going for a walk. He would forget that I already took him for a walk and would want to go again, he would get angry if the caretakers told him no and would just walk out. I cant tell you how much excersise I got. But it was actually something I looked forward to. Walking and talking with him, listening to his stories....
I also a man who was about 50.... maybe 60, I went to help him with something and he thought I was attacking him, he pushed me down a flight of stairs....
Even through that experience.....My time there was very blessed... I learned a lot about the human spirit.
I love you and thank you for reading this poem and commenting. I tried to move around a lot to signify the change in mood that someone with alzheimers can experience...
xoxoxo,
Criss
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