It is so strange,
I feel so relaxed, but I feel so sad.
My loved one is away from me,
She is away for a week,
That week is to help me,
Help me recover from the hell,
The hell of her dementia.
I am living two lives,
Hers and mine.
Hers because she cannot,
Cannot do the things,
The things she always could,
I have to do them.
Each day it gets worse
But this week I am alone,
Alone to recover and not worry,
Not worry about her.
She is safe and cared for
By caring staff in the home.
It is only a week,
But I can live just my life,
Do what I want to do,
Even if it is nothing.
- Author: Goldfinch60 (Pseudonym) ( Offline)
- Published: June 18th, 2018 01:41
- Comment from author about the poem: My wife is in a care home for a week, it is called Respite Care and I believe the respite is for me to recover from the hard work it takes to care for somebody with dementia. On a lighter note the music is the piece that Joyce had to rush down the aisle to marry me, thirty seven years ago this year, not bad for a second marriage for both of us.
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 38
- Users favorite of this poem: Laura🌻
Comments8
A fine write and clip Gold. We had some similar family matter, though not dementia. Sadly, the person passed away some years ago.
Any more 'openings' seen in the 'bubble' as it were?
Thanks Orchi, unfortunately the bubble seems to be getting stronger and more impenetrable.
Do enjoy your week - you deserve it although I fully understand the mixed feelings you must have.
Thank you Michael, it is a mixed blessing.
Thanks ANDY ~ Love the"QUEEN of SHEBA" we often have as an entrance in our CHURCH Either from CD or the ORGAN with violin & cello ! 37 Years for second time round is good run ! Friends in our Church Group use "respite care" and view it with a mixture of "freedom & guilt". When either Husband or Wife had to go permanently into CARE ~ some have described it as "worse than death" because they feel so alone and helpless. Within our Church there is a good corps of Carers & Helpers & Visitors ~ its like having a FAMILY of 100 on your doorstep ~ AMEN BRIAN
Friends at the Church do help, it is a pity that the Minister doesn’t.
Thank you for your comments Brian.
Thanks Goldfinch60.
I used to work in Mental Health at one time and attend Carers meetings. They do an incredible job caring for loved ones in challenging circumstances.
Enjoy your rest and thank you for this great poem.
I hope matters in the future will not be too difficult.
Keep writing
FineB
Thank you FineB, the carers in the home she is in are wonderful and so dedicated.
I thought about your write for hours. I, too, lost the love of my life under similar circumstances. I felt helpless, and incredibly sad. The worse part for me is a sense that I failed him. It's been four years now, and I'm still grieving, trying to sort things out in my heart and head. I have not yet found the collateral beauty in his and my tragedy; but, when I do, I'll be sure to write about it, as I hope you will. Take care.
I can understand that sense of failure but there is nothing else you or I can do but to be there for them. Thank you for your kind response.
hi I don't know what gave cause for this write but I got a sense of it with Unsub's comment I hope this write helped to throw off those feelings in some way I believe people like you are chosen to care for those in need hope you can find yourself in your free time again kind regards …………...zigs
My poetry is the lifeline I use to get by with the situation, it is my escape from the reality of my wife’s dementia bubble which is getting harder to penetrate. Thank you for your kind remarks, much appreciated.
hi I am glad that poetry helps at least best regards ,,,,zigs
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take time for you to rest!
Thank you Christina, much appreciated.
Andy,
I concur with all that Unsub wrote with regard to your write’s content!
As you know, I can empathize with your situation! I know you’re thinking of Joyce every day...how could you not to?! She’s the love of your life!
Do rest up this week...at least physically!
I know how important it is! My own days with my mom are getting more difficult as each day goes by!
Thinking of you...relaxing, relaxing, relaxing!
~Laura~
Thank you Laura, relaxing is the key to ensure I am stronger when Joyce comes back into our home tomorrow.
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