As the light dims

How cruel..

He cried, sorely,
unashamedly, as a child would,
frustrated and scared because he no longer remembered.

She cried, sadly,
helplessly, as children do,
because she had been forgotten by a love that she would always remember.

" I don't know who you are,
or why you visit,
but I know in my heart that I love you "

He squeezed her held hand,
kissed her brow,
they cried.

Author's Note

A friend of mine from the past has just been diagnosed with dementia, he is 56 years young.

Reviews

[Rosalie Kempthorne]

Beautifully done. Very nice. Really, really sad.

[Gee]

Thank you Rosalie

[Bell Spalding]

Oh my gosh. You have such powerful words that I hope, I really, truly hope, will assist in bringing about the change we all need.

[Gee]

Thank you Bell

[Hsnx]

i was literally crying while reading this one....its perfect and expressed in such a beautiful way...its so cruel i need more tissues...just keep up and be strong always..

[Gee]

Thank you Ellie

[Richard M]

A beautiful poem Gee. Thank God for the love we still have in our hearts.

[Gee]

Thank you Richard

[Island Hippy]

That’s so sad, half way and I felt my eyes water. That is a devastating reality for too many families. We watched my grandma decline and it was the most s****y feeling especially when she would stare past us - so vacant, or when she would tell my mom about her daughter thinking she was a stranger - my mom was her nurse. So sorry about your friend Gee, any age is too young but 56 .... many mahalo.

[Gee]

Thank you. It's shocking, couldn't imagine how my family would feel.
Hope you don't think I'm taking the piss, but could you please have a look at " To hold her"
and Give me an honest opinion on where it may need changing ( a woman's point of view)
I've tinkered already but could well end up with nowt as it gets quite frustrating going back and forth. Thank you.
Hope you are all well.

[Island Hippy]

Haha, can’t guarantee I’ll be helpful Gee but I’ll a read :)

[Gee]

Lol, more than helpful and appreciated

[Mrudula Rani]

The film Note Book came to my mind. I cried watching it. 56 is very early to be diagnosed with dementia. It is one of the facts of life and heart wrentching situation you have penned perfectly, Gee. I hope God gives her strength to endure the rest their journey together.

[Gee]

Hi Mrudula, thank you.

[Mrudula Rani]

You are most welcome, Gee.

[barleygirl]

This is the first time I’ve ever read anything about this curse (written about often) that really crystalized it for me in my mind, so I could truly imagine how it might feel. This is such a perfect example delivered so clearly & simply. Yet it also conveys a ton of emotion too (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Gee]

Thank you Margie.
Such a cruel, cruel illness.

[emmajoy]

I knew a lovely lady. I also knew that lovely lady's daughter - she was a besty for years, still is. Twenty plus years later, dear friend and I were talking and she blurted out . 'I so wish i could have my mum back... ' The suddeness of those simple words made me realise what a complex thing is dementia. Love continues but takes on such a muddle of emotions: child becomes carer in many cases, sufferer becomes a near shell, yet must still be respected, utterly - and of course, loved. I've written about May. I am so VERY sad for your dear friend... please, please hold on to your memories, he still exists but his aura has taken on another shade.

[Gee]

It’s so sad. He was a right tear away, got us into all kinds of scrapes, usually ending up bruised. His reputation always preceded him but he had, has a kind and generous heart.
Hope you are well EmmaJ, thank you

[emmajoy]

Don't know what to say, there's no way of changing the sadness of him for and to his family and friends. Fight hard to keep your memories.. he will for as long as can.. bless ((him))

[Gee]

Sighhhh.....

[redzone]

my aunt Laural had and then died from alzheimers…. the last time I saw her she said, "I know I should know you, sorry but I don't"... it is a slow disease that robs you of everything, eating you up until there is nothing... I am sorry to hear that your friend has dementia, Gee...

[Gee]

Thank you Redzone