What's the Matter with Grandpa?
By Marlene Armson
"What's the matter with Grandpa?"
My grandchild said to me.
"He won't play cards or checkers.
Is he mad at me?"
"No, my dear," I whispered
With tear filled, tired eyes.
"Grandpa has an illness
That's slowing down his mind.
He can't remember how to play
Or count or add out loud
And he doesn't want a little boy
To have to show him how.
He can't remember other things
Like how to brush his teeth,
Or how to shave and dress himself
And when to go to sleep.
He can't read as well as you
The letters turn upside-down
And numbers on his watch
Seem to turn and flip around.
Then Grandpa's sad and blames himself
And says that he is dumb,
But we all know that Grandpa
Is as smart as anyone..
He wants to drive his favorite car
But someone took away his keys.
The doctor said he couldn't drive
Because of his disease.
So all we can do for Grandpa
Is try to understand
That Grandpa loves you very much,
So take his wrinkled hand.
Hold on when he is shaky.
Lead him away from harm.
And remember Grandpa's loving heart
Even when you're apart.
If you watch him closely
When you're sitting by his side,
You'll know that he is happy
By the twinkle in his eyes.
We can show we love him back
By looking after him,
And taking walks and playing ball,
Or wiping soup from off his chin.
We can pray that God watch over him
And keep him through the night.
And give us grace and wisdom
To live with this illness of the mind."
© Marlene Armson 2007
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