Grandma (Poetry)
Dedicated to all who have watched a loved one suffer from the ravages of Alzheimers
Grandma
Grandma, are you in there?
The thoughts that linger
Behind misty blue eyes
Are they as shadowed
As today’s nebulous skies
Or are they honed in past
With life’s memories dear
When times were so simple
And your mind was clear
Moods change lightning-quick
On the turn of a dime
To grasp recollection
Is a mountain you climb
The words you can’t find
And tasks where you stumble
Fear makes you distrust
As you feel your world crumble
Every day, every hour
The flicker is there
It tears at my heart
When I see your despair
Like photographs etched
Names run through your head
But people you treasure
Dear Grandma, they’re dead
You’ve got quite a family
But call us all, ‘Susan’
Oh, what we’d all give
To see you there, again
Grandma, are you in there?
© J C Edwards
Yeah, this hits home. Beautifully written.
I lost my dad, and then my mother-in-law to Alzheimer's Disease, a mere four months apart.
They were both smart as hell, hilarious, wise . . . and then, simply no longer in residence, trapped within their own bodies.
My dad never got quite as bad, and even though he stopped using my name a year or so before he died, he never forgot that I was his daughter, and continued introducing me as such . . . to those he had introduced me to a dozen times already, and more. C'est la vie.
I am so sorry you also went through this; and two family members passing within months of each other must have been very tough. Sending you gentle hugs, and thank you so much for commenting.
Thanks for your kindness.
It was tough, especially since the September 11th attacks came soon afterward, and then I lost one of my dearest friends. It was a really terrible year, but I grew an immense amount, and have become far more compassionate as a direct result.
Everything for a reason, right?
I really relate to your comments. (((gentle hugs)))
A beautiful and moving piece. Best wishes to you and yours.
Thank you very much; I appreciate your comment and support.
Alzheimer's is a very painful disease, not so much for the patient because they aren't aware but more for the family members. You've portyed that emotion quite well.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and support; it's much appreciated.
Beautiful words. I have been through some trauma in my life but nursing my gran through dementia when it first hit, has to be one of worst.
I can understand how difficult and heartbreaking that is. My grandma was eventually in a home that specialized in caring for alzheimer patients and passed away there after five years. It was just down the street from where I lived, so I was able to visit her almost daily. Although she didn't remember me most of the time, she loved to be wheeled out into the garden to look at the flowers.
My gran has been in a home for 7 years now, and she is very well cared for. It happened so quickly when the dementia took over but she's as tough as old boots. She's 91 now lol. Shae hasn't been able to speak clearly since a stroke 6 years ago, but at my wedding two years ago, she shouted that she loved me as loud as she could ! It's truly heartbreaking <3
I'm so sorry your gran, and you, have to deal with it - it takes a lot of patience, compassion and strength; and the struggle is real on both ends. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.
It's so desperately sad to watch loved ones 'disappear' before our very eyes.
Very well portrayed <3
Thank you so much - it is a heartbreaking illness, but I do have many fond memories of my Grandma - she was a social worker and the wife of a minister (my Grandfather), and I think she would appreciate my poem. xox
I'm sure she would :)
xoxox
This poem is beautiful! I've seen this same thing happen right in front of me to my own grandmother who lost track of reality as the years went by.
Thank you for your lovely comment, it's appreciated. I'm so sorry you went through this with your own grandmother. It's truly heartbreaking to witness.
Such a sadness with this disease. You express the feelings perfectly. I'm sorry that you have had to experience them personally.
Thank you so much; I appreciate your kind words.