Each day I watch my mother walk.
I hear her sigh, I hear her talk.
She speaks of loved ones no longer here.
I watch helpless, as she sheds a tear.
Alzheimer's is stealing my mother away,
And she grows worse each passing day.
She needs help with all her care,
From getting dressed to brushing her hair.
We cut her food to help her eat.
This once tidy woman is no longer neat.
She often seems to live in the past,
Please dear God, how long will this last?
As her memory goes, I can only stand by,
Frustrated and helpless, and yes...I'll cry.
Those who love her, she no longer knows.
How long till her memory completely goes?
Each day I watch my mother walk.
I hear her sigh, I hear her talk.
I watch daily as she slowly dies.
I can't help her, and yes...I'll cry.

Copyright © 1997 Jerry Ham
Used with permission of the author.

Jerry and his wife are both nurses and they
are a team in taking care of his mother who
who has Alzheimer's. Jerry frequently shares
his poetry on the Alzheimer list, bringing tears
to all our eyes.

Email Jerry at: wordman@asaccess.com