Be Patient With Me
By Tammie Marchant
I am a registered nurse at the Villa Care Centre, Midland, Ontario. Part of my role is to provide ongoing education and treatment strategies for staff of all levels. It has become a passion and an honour to be able to work closely
with residents affected by Alzheimer's disease. I have been asked to be a guest speaker at a local high school to present our view on Alzheimer's, and subsequently wrote this poem to present to the students with hopes of allowing them a view into this world. Education and information is the key to dispelling the myths surrounding Alzheimer's disease, and I believe that the earlier we are able to reach communities, the better.
Please be patient with me, honey
For I know not who you are
I know you look familiar
But my thinking is not clear
I see you in my pictures
I have upon my wall
Please forgive me, honey
But I don't know you at all
I wish I could remember
Why your kindness is so true
Please forgive me, honey
I think I remember you
A glimmer of a time and place
It seems so long ago
I see me holding a child
It is you, now I know
Please forgive me honey
My mind is not so bright
I see the tears run down your cheeks
God help me if he might
This fate is one I did not choose
This path I want to fight
Please forgive me, honey
And hold me oh so tight
I'm scared of what is happening
To my body and my mind
I only want to win this war
My memories I must find
Please cherish who I used to be
I hope I did you well
Please forgive me, honey
I feel like I'm in hell
The sounds, the smells, the people
I do not recognize
I do not see the connection
Between my thinking and my eyes
The only peace that I can feel
Is when I know you're near
Please forgive me, honey
I need for you to hear
It is my time to leave you
Don't shed a tear for me
I loved you as my daughter
You meant the world to me
Life is full of lessons
We must learn along the way
If only I had just one small wish
It is this that I would pray
Your memories never fade you
Your thinking stays so clear
Life is a journey to be enjoyed
And not one to be feared
Please cherish who I used to be
Continue on your way
For we will meet again, my dear
In a life not far away
© Tammie Marchant 2008
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