In The Maze

( the progression of dementia in loved ones )

these early summer days
find auntie in a deeper maze
of lost in the past

memories of years gone by
blue sky and childhood friends
fast forward to a wretched end

today she didn’t remember me
pieces of the jigsaw gone
scattered and eaten by brain’s decay

i had morphed into my mother
her brother’s wife and she was
so delighted to see me

how young you look she said
how do you do it tell me how
where have you been all these years

why am I staying here
can you take me back to the square
to see my mum and dad

glad the visit was cut short
her caught in the misery of dementia
and the fear of what she suffers next

so held her hand and hugged her
what else can you do other than
reassure her and say you love her

Reviews

[John Sullivan]

Chris, with my paternal Grandma it was cancer. She beat it once. Intestinal cancer. It wasted her away. I remember the last time I saw her. She had shriveled to nothing, gaunt and skeletal. She couldn't really move anymore, there just wasn't the muscle mass remaining. She looked mortified. The family stood around and said nothing. Just watched. I'm so thankful I had the presence of mind to walk up, kiss her on the cheek, and tell her I loved her. Tears welled in her eyes. That poor, brave woman. Still think about her 20 years later. Cheers, friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my friend for that heart felt share. That kiss meant the world to her. She felt your love and showed it. I really appreciate your response. We never know what is in store for family members or even for ourselves. Have a great day.

Chris

[John Sullivan]

We don't, it's true. You're a kind soul, Ms. Shaw. Appreciate you

[Red Brick Keshner]

Sadly this turn late in life is a recurring event on one side of my family. On the other side they weren’t old enough to ail this way when they passed. One aunt wanted only me to trim her nails whilst she mumbled about some past crush or lover. It’s quite a curious place to be, emotionally. Good to be reading your work again. Freds.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Freds for your share. It isn’t an easy path to navigate. Never knowing whether you will receive affection or hostility. Pleased you stopped by.

[Chris]

...because you do - love her.

Sometimes I wonder how much less pain I'd have if I didn't miss my "missing friends" that grows every year.

[Chris Shaw]

Indeed Chris, I do love her. She is the only connection alive now of her generation to my grandparents and parents. She is able to recall with much clarity my mum and dad as teenagers. Some visits are happy, most can be difficult. The pain of loss is a curse. I know that well. So many of my friends departed early. Thank you for your time.

[Mauricio Montoya]

Wow Chris love the beginning, lol, we don't realize we step into it but life goes on great job on bringing these memories back together again because in the end its a love that last forever.
Thank you for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mauricio. She knows I love her and that is all important. So pleased you stopped by.
read moreThank you Mauricio. She knows I love her and that is all important. So pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Mauricio Montoya]

Yeah I enjoyed the write because it touches all walks of life we know love , again thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[Ken Simm.]

Having had extensive experience of knowing some one who is alive but can't remember being so. This is sad and poignant. But as I discovered take the halcyon where you can and laugh with when you can. These are sovereign.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ken so right, there can be some funny moments amid the sad. She knows she is loved. That is all that matters. Hope all is good in your world.

Chris

[Lisasview]

I sit here -early misty early morning in Spain, tears in my eyes… reading your words.
Many of us have had similar moments that haunt us.
And, as we get older and older we hope this will not happen to us.
So well written dear Chris,
Lisa

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right dear Lisa, we hope it won’t happen to us. Thank you dear friend.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

it is a hard thing to suffer watching such decline ... me Ma went slowly with Alzheimer's .. we were fortunate because she retained her very sweet self the whole time ... that can change, i guess ... when she no longer held her slim thread to reality it was almost a relief for me ... she no longer struggled with it .. sending hugs your way Chris .. and my prayers

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Mr E. Sorry your Ma had to go through this too. Such a sad way to end a life. Hope all is good with you in your world. Thank you for the visit, your hugs and prayers. Most appreciated and hugs reciprocated.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

Beauregard and I are more thoroughly being "retired" ... I make it a point to take a nap in the mid day .. filling the rest of it with a bit of chore doing and too much TV ;))))))))) your the best kiddo!

[Alesha]

Thank you for sharing this! I watched both of my grandmothers suffer from dementia and it’s such a sad disease. They could remember something that happened years ago but not what happened yesterday. This poem really resonated with me.

[Chris Shaw]

It’s sad that you too have had to experience this Alesha. Thank you so much for leaving a thoughtful comment. All the best.

Chris

[Relic]

I found out a couple of weeks ago my own aunt has it. I said hello to her and she didn't know who I was. Someday in the future I hope they find a cure or at least, something that keeps their memories more in than out.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Tim, so sad. I sincerely hope a cure will be found eventually. Such a horrible ending to life. Thanks for stopping by. All good wishes.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

I used to work in a facility that housed many dementia patients. Staff can maintain some objectivity when dealing with such patients; not so families. I recall seeing the expressions of loss on the faces of those who came to visit. Your last verse describes the best that can be done for those in this situation. Despite her misfortune, she is lucky to have you.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. It is so sad. There are never any other visitors when we go. How can people neglect their relatives in such a callous manner.? I appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Pauline]

My daughter took a video of herself and mum singing. She played it back to mum who was most put out. She said, "But that's an old woman!" I said, "No mum, that's Deb" to which she replied, (looking totally relieved) "Well I thought...." Deb didn't find it funny but I did. Still do.xx

[Chris Shaw]

Hello dear Pauline. Lovely to have a visit from you. I haven’t been on here much recently. Thank you forthe smile. I do believe we can find humour in the saddest of situations. Look after yourself lovely lady.

Chris 🌹