She watched me try, she saw my success.
She always said to do my best.
I tried to make her happy, I tried to make her proud
Some days she would laugh, some days she would cry.
And all of sudden I didn’t know why,
She wasn’t there anymore,
not the way she used to be.
I never got to say goodbye before she left me.
I see her now in her chair,
Physically, but not mentally there.
The disease has stolen her mind from her,
Making it impossible for her to remember
My name or even that I am her daughter.
I watch her sit and try to tell me
A story that I don’t understand.
A story only she can get,
Perhaps about how her and dad might have met.
She laughs at herself while telling the story,
All the while I try to smile,
When deep inside,
I want to cry,
Because I never got to say goodbye……
MLT 7/2/2012

I wrote this poem one day after visiting my mom, Jane at the nursing home. Mom started showing signs of Alzheimer's shortly after my Dad died from Alzheimer's Disease when he was 65 years old. He lived with this agonizing disease for over 13 years. For 33 years he was an engineer at Harrison Radiator (now Delphi) and a mechanic for the Town of Newfane. Mom lived with for 14 years. In the end, she weighed 75 lbs, did not recognize any of her children or grandchildren and spoke only "gibberish". The only thing that kept her smiling was the baby doll we had given her. We named him Andrew and she held, hugged, kissed, cuddled, talked and sang gibberish to him. It made her happy. It broke my sisters and brother's heart and mine as well. 

That is why Laura, Rob, Amy and I as well as all of our family members "Walk to End Alzheimer's". We want to help reclaim the future for millions. We also pray that our own children do not have to watch any of us go through this devastating disease. By participating in the 2021 Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's™, I'm committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, care and support.

If you have it in your heart, please donate to this cause.  May you never have to watch a family member fade away from life from this devastating disease.
Sincerely,  Mary Lou
                             Remember those who forget to remember....