I Have Alzheimer's Poem by Namratha Swamy

I am unable to do what I did yesterday.
I have forgotten to question why.
I am unable to feel or smell the flowers.

I see the children on the other side of the room
yet, I do not remember my children's names or birthdays.
I simply watch myself fade into a helpless person day by day.

I clearly know tomorrow will be worse
and finally understand it will never get better.
I patiently wait for the end of all the pain.

Small pain is the pain I feel in my legs, back and arms,
but the real pain is when I am unable to do things on my own.
It is sad I am unable to walk as far as I want.

I cannot help the way I'm acting.
I cannot be different though I try.
I have reached a stage where I can't even cry.

So please, do not ask me to remember.
Do not try to make me understand.
Do not lose your patience with me.

Let me be, yet let me know you are with me.
Just kiss my cheek and hold my hand.
Do not scold, curse, or cry.

Just remember that I need you.
Though the best of me is gone,
please do not fail to stand beside me.