I Miss You
Even though you’ve been gone for over 2 years now
you are still missed.
The pangs of loss have lessened with
the passing of time
but you were gone a long time before
you physically left this world.
It stole you from us; that insidious monster
called Alzheimer’s.
Bit by bit by bit it took you.
Sadly, I cannot recall your voice
but I can still remember the softness of your skin
your beautiful white hair
and your smile when you ate chocolate.
I was going through some of your things the other day
because it is time to let them go.
Old bank slips, old medical bills, old pictures
and old memories.
Not all of them will be thrown away because
some remain very precious.
Like your old wallet that you
refused to replace; held together
with rubber bands.
Pictures from when you were happy and healthy
and knew everyone will be kept safe.
But I will also keep the ones where you no
longer remembered.
Those will just be stored at the bottom of the box
because they still hurt.
Flowers will be placed where your body rests
but your spirit will be celebrating up above.
Happy Birthday, Momma.
#1 by smilecalm on March 12, 2013 - 1:32 am
may she live on happily in your beautiful words, images and smile!
#2 by imagesbytdashfield on March 12, 2013 - 10:09 am
Thank you. Sometimes she comes out in the way I say things
#3 by bulldog on March 12, 2013 - 1:37 am
May the memories continue to keep you happy and warm… lovely dedication to some one that was special to you… lovely…
#4 by imagesbytdashfield on March 12, 2013 - 10:09 am
Thank you. In her day before she became ill she was a pistol!
#5 by Antionette Blake on March 12, 2013 - 6:52 am
Tears,,,,Rest In Heaven Sweet Lady
#6 by imagesbytdashfield on March 12, 2013 - 10:10 am
Thank you. Alzheimer’s is one *&^% disease!
#7 by Jerry on March 12, 2013 - 9:00 am
I can identify. However, upon being the one covering moms urn with the last shovel of dirt, I smiled and said out load, “Enjoy your next adventure mom”. Blessings to you Miss “T”.
#8 by imagesbytdashfield on March 12, 2013 - 10:10 am
Thank you and what a sweet thing to have said to your mom, Jerry.
#9 by Jerry on March 13, 2013 - 11:25 pm
Hello Miss T. Hope I didn’t offend you in any way with my last reply.
#10 by Jerry on March 12, 2013 - 10:37 am
I know too well the pain that a loved one, especially a parent with Alzheimer’s can inflict. I too know too well how it destroys the mind. My mother accused me of raping her. That cut me deeper than any known sharp object on the planet. I saw her suffer severely with the insidious dis-ease. After getting over the immense shock of Mom’s accusation, I realized, it was not her but the dis-ease. I watched Mom slowly leave her physical body as she lay in the nursing home for six months. It was a slow departure so I had time to prepare for her final footstep to the other side of true existence…life beyond pain and dis-ease. The place where every new journey begins. Mom’s roll on my life’s stage was played very well. There was a great applause as the curtain slowly came down, Mom left the stage, punched the time clock and went home to wait her next leading roll and supportive actor. How could I not say, “Enjoy your next adventure mom”. She is still with me every minute of my life. All I have to do is close my eyes.
#11 by imagesbytdashfield on March 18, 2013 - 7:49 am
You did not offend, Jerry.
#12 by Ingrid on March 12, 2013 - 10:12 am
Oh, how sweet and lovely. My mom’s B Day would have been at the end of Feb and this was her second BDay since she passed…..so I can totally relate to the loss. Beautiful words
#13 by imagesbytdashfield on March 12, 2013 - 10:15 am
Thank you. I’m happy she’s “free” but when I think of all the time she was gone before she was gone………..sigh.
#14 by ChgoJohn on March 12, 2013 - 10:15 am
Such a loving memorial, Teri. May she forever rest in peace.
#15 by imagesbytdashfield on March 12, 2013 - 10:16 am
Thanks but I hope she is cutting up with the rest of the family
#16 by KKHPhotos.com on March 12, 2013 - 4:18 pm
*tears
#17 by imagesbytdashfield on March 12, 2013 - 5:05 pm
Thanks. Handing you a tissue….
#18 by etomczyk on March 21, 2013 - 10:17 pm
Wow! I can hardly breathe, Teri, and I can barely see the page through the tears. Your poem is so beautiful, and your love for your mother is as vibrant as the color of the flower you photographed. I found myself silently praying at the end of your salut to your mom a very selfish prayer: that God would spare my daughters the pain of walking this road with me. It is too painful for a child. Thank you for this beautiful tribute.
#19 by imagesbytdashfield on March 22, 2013 - 8:22 am
I don’t want anyone to go through this…caregiving or having the disease; having the disease is far worse but it is rough watching your loved one fade away bit by bit. I used to say her outside was there but who the heck knew what was inside. Thanks