Page 16 - Who Are You-Reflections of a Dementia Survivor

Bit by bit

I smiled at you, as you walked by
Schoolgirl fifteen, sweet face and so shy
I did not know, schoolboy seventeen
You would be in my thoughts
Still to this day, from that day forth
For a silly joke, that joined our hands
Too young for love, hard to understand
How two lives would grow
Bound by two gold bands.
Teenagers shy, when we met
Teenagers virgin, when we shed
Teenagers scared, when we wed
Babes having babes, is what they said
It will not last, tears will be shed

But we started with love, our possessions nil
Forty years to pass and our love is still
And our possession now, that you shared with me
That fulfilled our life, our daughters three.
You did not crave neither wealth nor fame
Only family love, so proud you share my name
Always me before you, all my plans and my schemes
To follow with trust, as I chased those dreams.
But gifted to you, the art of care
And all those you touch, friendship you share
For a purpose in; this life was found
Your ability to turn, others’ lives around
Yet cruel life why; gives us this challenge new
That now takes those things away from you

Now you before me, until some end
For your puzzled mind no one can mend.