♥

Pray for me, I was once like you.
Be kind and loving to me,
That's how I would have treated you.
♥
Remember I was once someone's parent or spouse,
I had a life and a dream for the future.
Speak to me, I can hear you even if
I don't understand what you are saying.
Speak to me of things in my past of which I can still relate.
Be considerate of me, my days are such a struggle.
Think of my feelings because I still have them and can feel pain.
Treat me with respect because I would have treated you that way.
Think of how I was before I got Alzheimer's;
I was full of life, I had a life, laughed and loved you.
♥
Think of how I am now, my disease distorts my thinking,
my feelings, and my ability to respond,
but I still love you even if I can't tell you.
Think about my future because I used too.
Remember I was full of hope for the future just like you are now.
Think how it would be to have things
locked in your mind and can't let them out.
I need you to understand and not blame me, but Alzheimer's.
I still need the compassion and the touching
and most of all I still need you to love me.
Keep me in your prayers because I am between life and death.
The love you give will be a blessing from God
and both of us will live forever.
♥
How you live and what you do today will always be
remembered in the heart of the Alzheimer's Patient.
♥
Carolyn Haynali © March 10, 2000
used with permission
http://www.caregiversarmy.org