Do not ask me to Remember

I have not been blessed to deal with a personal family member get diagnosed as having dementia or Alzheimer’s but I have seen millions of patients that have. The struggle that they have, and the struggle that we have seen the families have is real. It tears away at the heart of all people involved. Until you are faced with it being someone close to you, you really have no clue how you will react to it.

I tip my hat to you. Here is a moving poem that I found online today that tore into my heart.

Do not ask me to remember

Do not ask me to remember,

Don’t try to make me understand,

Let me rest and know you’re with me,

Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I’m confused beyond your concept,

I am sad and sick and lost.

All I know is that I need you

To be with me at all cost.

Do not lose your patience with me,

Do not scold or curse or cry.

I can’t help the way I’m acting,

Can’t be different though I try.

Just remember that I need you,

That the best of me is gone,

Please don’t fail to stand beside me,

Love me ’til my life is done.

–Owen Darnell