Never Forget That I Love You

Many of us are now at an age where roles are beginning to be reversed in regards to our aging parents.  This is a difficult time no matter which side of the fence you live on.  Years ago, my mom wrote a poem  for her children in case she ever developed Alzheimer's in the future.  She and her sister witnessed the slow and heart wrenching decline of their own mother as my grandmother gradually lost all faculties.  Alzheimer's is one of my mother's greatest fears.  This poem is not perfect in form or style, but it expressed her desire to love her children sacrificially until the end.  Perhaps, it will be just what you or I need to hear.

Never forget that I love you.

If I develop Alzheimer’s Disease,

I may forget who you are,

Call you names, scream at you,

And be mean to you.

Never forget that I love you.

If I develop Alzheimer’s Disease,

I may become very possessive

I may hide things in strange places

And accuse you of stealing them.

Never forget that I love you.

If I develop Alzheimer’s Disease,

I may be dirty and odoriferous.

I may wet myself and fight you

When you try to clean me.

Never forget that I love you.

If I develop Alzheimer’s Disease,

I may forget how to cook

And how to set the table.

I wash dishes without soap

And dry them with a dirty paper napkin.

Never forget that I love you.

If I develop Alzheimer’s Disease,

I may not eat good food.

I may forget how to use a fork or spoon.

I may even forget how to swallow.

Never forget that I love you.

If I develop Alzheimer’s Disease,

Don’t allow my care to ruin your lives.

Don’t keep me lingering on by measures that only

Prolong the agony for us both.

Rather, let me go ---- and find peace with my Lord.

But, never forget that I love you.

Mom