My Special Gift From God

We were best friends,
and I was so proud.
She was my mother,
and I was her child.

Then fateful words were spoken aloud,
diagnosis with dire consequences.
Changes came day by day,
remembrances lost, with pretend defenses.

Simple tasks became great chores,
challenges were impossibilities.
Alzheimer’s had captured her life,
and I... unprepared for probabilities.    

Always searching for home,
caused her to wander and roam.
Fences, gates and locked doors,
for her protection we had to condone.

I was with her every day.
I wish she had been there, too.
We walked in her garden.
The question came, “Now, who are you?"

God needed her in heaven, but in his 
great wisdom knew I needed a while.
He graciously conceded and gave compromise.
He took her spirit, and gave me a special child.

I gave her baths.
I combed her hair,
I clothed, fed, and put her to bed;
God and I sitting till morning air.

That fateful day sadly arrived,
filled with such pain and sorrow.
Goodbye my friend, my mother... my special child.
I’ll see you again tomorrow!

Sweet memories I’ve treasured since that day,
thank you for time to sort them in place.
I am now more endeared to those times long ago
when I was a child and she washed my face.


April 2, 2010
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Tapley Avatar
April 29, 2010 at 12:12 AM
Oh, Carolyn, this one tears the heart out, but it has such a special message. The sweet memories that you have can never be taken away. That fifth stanza was really one that got to me. I have never thought of Alzheimer's as leaving us with a child to take care of, but you made me realize it is. Very, very touching poem.
Johnson Avatar
April 17, 2010 at 3:14 PM
Lovely and loving writing. It is sad. Congratulations on your win. Love, Joyce
Sweetheart Avatar
April 13, 2010 at 3:52 PM
Congrats Carolyn on your winning poem in Laura's contest.. a wonderful write and win for u to so enjoy ... see u at the winners circle..luv.. Linda-Marie..
Fraser Avatar
April 9, 2010 at 10:27 AM
Heartfelt write Carolyn, its so sad what may happen to us in our later years >> James
A   Avatar
April 8, 2010 at 2:46 PM
I am so touched by your poem I think it was a mistake to read your poem . NO NOT IN A BAD WAY . I am real weak when it comes to mother poems. I woul give anything to spend my mothers last days with her . Like you. Sadly it was not Gods plan. I feel silly telling you that . I do not share that with most. I act like if I am still mad at her. For leaving with out telling me. Look at me all winny eyes. Loved your poem so much.
Murphy Avatar
April 8, 2010 at 9:38 AM
very nice congrats on your win faleshia
Foster Avatar
April 6, 2010 at 2:30 AM
A poem of great feeling and tenderness. She took care of you when you were not able to care for yourself and you returned that care with beautiful love....a worthy winner Carolyn. Well done on both accounts....Luv Margaret
Dietrich Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 8:23 PM
This is a very special poem, dear. My stepdad succumbed to this evil disease several years ago and my mother endured much over a span of then years. It is probably worse on the careaker, who understands what is happening, than it is on the person in the final stages of the disease. YOu handled it with great grace and learned a wonderful lesson in the process. LUv, Andrea Ps a DESERVED win
Richards Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 3:07 PM
Sad and heartbreaking, yet filled with such love and tenderness. What a wonderful winning poem, Carolyn! Congratulations on your amazing win! ~ Love, Carrie
Kopp Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 9:44 AM
Excellent write. You deserve this win!
Kelly Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 7:21 AM
Carolyn , this is a magificent piece and a wonderful tribute , to you both . Congrats on a WELL deserved win ...
Sweetheart Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 5:58 AM
Congrats Carolyn on your 1st place win in Debbie's contest.. wonderful write and win for u to so enjoy..luv.. Linda-Marie ..
James Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 2:02 AM
Congrats on your win, Carolyn! Well done on a great write
M Avatar
April 4, 2010 at 10:24 PM
This poem made me smile peacefully! Written so well from start to finish, it had me longing to read more ...just as you potentially yearned for those flickering moments of brief recognition by your mom as you helped her feel safe, comfortable and surrounded by love during her final journey. Congratulations on the 1st Place award.
La France Avatar
April 4, 2010 at 7:15 PM
Congratulations on first place in Deborah's contest. It is a touching and beautiful poem.. love Constance
Guzzi Avatar
April 4, 2010 at 5:01 PM
You made me cry! I'm sure she new your love every minute of it as do we...and we all revisited our love for our Mothers through your inspired verse congradulation & you are SO welcome to soup! Light & Love
Devonshire Avatar
April 4, 2010 at 6:42 AM
Genuinely moving, Carolyn H. I miss my mother too, especially on holidays. Thank goodness we have memories of better days. Hope you have a Happy Easter. Love, Carolyn D.
Sweetheart Avatar
April 2, 2010 at 9:00 PM
A special write and special tribute..hope u entered it in Debbie's contest I Remember Mama ...for sure a winner .. luv.. happy Easter too.. Linda-Marie..
Richards Avatar
April 2, 2010 at 5:50 PM
What a sweet poem of love, a wonderful dedication to your mother, ....she would have been so pleased, I'm sure. Good luck in the contest. Love, Carrie
Taylor Avatar
April 2, 2010 at 4:34 PM
Very sad and touching. Well written, Carolyn. God bless you for taking such good care of her it has to be emotionally hard when someone you love has that kind of illness. You have my admiration. May she RIP.
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