Remember Us

There came a day when I had to let go.
I didn't want to, for I loved him so.
He was older than me, though not by much.

It's been fifty years since we first met.
And I will never forget, I go to visit every day.
Even though he doesn't remember me.

He says it's quite nice of me. 
To come visit him all these days.
Because he doesn't even know my name.

One day as I was going through our files.
I came across a large manila envelope.
It was sealed, though it had my name.

As I opened it, memories came falling out.
Every card, love letter I ever sent to him.
As I went to visit him the next day.

I took the pictures hoping he might remember.  
I showed him a picture of us when we first met.
It was a picture of me with my arms wrapped 
around his neck.

As he pointed to the girl in the picture.
He said, Oh, I remember she loved me.
Though he did not remember it was me.



9/ 12/ 2012, I watched a six-minute segment on the evening news about Alzheimer's.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Babcock Avatar
June 12, 2013 at 9:41 PM
A very sad and difficult time watching someone with this disease. My father in law has had it for years and he is 95. love phyl
Duncan Avatar
June 12, 2013 at 10:06 PM
yes, sad !
Seal Avatar
June 6, 2013 at 6:33 PM
A moving write Debbie, so many are suffering this way now it is very sad and very diffcult for the one watching and living with it. Take care, Richard
Duncan Avatar
June 6, 2013 at 8:28 PM
Thank you for reading Richard ;}
Anglesey Avatar
April 21, 2013 at 6:23 PM
This is so well written and expresses so well the loss of someone who is still here. Very sad and hopeful at the same time. So many battle this disease
Hicks Avatar
April 21, 2013 at 9:14 AM
What an endearing and sad piece of writing. I'm reminded of The Notebook and how the guy told his woman, who had Alzheimers, all their little adventures, though she couldn't remember any of them. The last line moved me! Great narrative...
Duncan Avatar
April 21, 2013 at 11:56 AM
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Johnson Avatar
April 11, 2013 at 5:03 PM
We must remember in September when leaves begin to fall. It is God's way to end our stay so we will hear him call. Peace be still our human will to let his grace reside. Our troubles we have here on earth our his to then decide. :)
Duncan Avatar
April 21, 2013 at 11:58 AM
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Trifiatis Avatar
April 10, 2013 at 11:00 AM
Touching and moving!
Duncan Avatar
April 11, 2013 at 3:11 AM
Thank you ;}
Colasurdo Avatar
April 8, 2013 at 8:41 PM
Beautiful write Debbie,on such a sad topic. I have relatives who are and have gone through this terrible disease. enjoyed the read, Blessings
Duncan Avatar
April 8, 2013 at 10:57 PM
I thank you ;}
Beaufort Avatar
April 7, 2013 at 5:52 PM
What's funny is that at this very second (at least on my screen) there is an add to click on that says, "These seven habits activate Alzheimer's in your brain--click here". I have to hope that writing and commenting on poetry forestalls the disease! Ads are a disease in and of themselves! Debbie--you are a welcome treasure on this site!
Duncan Avatar
April 7, 2013 at 8:22 PM
thank you Duke ;}
Beaufort Avatar
April 7, 2013 at 5:48 PM
I am in awe how you can take inspiration from a news segment and turn it into such a kind piece. It is so important to take care of our loved ones. I recently saw the film "outsourced". The folks in India were surprised at how the main character was not interested to visit his parents very often. Many of us think this has to change.
Duncan Avatar
April 7, 2013 at 8:21 PM
thank you Duke ;}
Devnath  Avatar
April 7, 2013 at 11:14 AM
Nice remembrance of the sweet past. Enjoyed a lot. Loved always, bl
Duncan Avatar
April 7, 2013 at 8:21 PM
thank you .
Oimbo Avatar
April 7, 2013 at 10:55 AM
If somebody who i love does not remember me i may go mad. This is a good poem. I will remember it for a long time
Duncan Avatar
April 7, 2013 at 6:23 PM
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Komala Avatar
April 7, 2013 at 8:55 AM
aah this piece is so lovely and heartfelt.. very enjoyed your beautiful write and sharing dearest sista Debbie :) wishing you a very happy weekend <3 much luv and lights <3 Sk
Duncan Avatar
April 7, 2013 at 6:10 PM
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Williams Avatar
April 7, 2013 at 7:27 AM
Debbie a well written piece of work, my father -in -law has Alzheimer's and it is very sad to watch him in his own little world...David
Duncan Avatar
April 7, 2013 at 5:59 PM
Thank you David .
A   Avatar
April 5, 2013 at 7:16 PM
Debbie, your poem is the life many of us have to face. My father, and my family have to live with a the everyday thought... if my mother who has Alzheimer, remembers us... or my dad.. an interesting poem... always~ Linda
Duncan Avatar
April 6, 2013 at 8:24 PM
Thank you for ready Linda,,, sad .
Allen Avatar
April 5, 2013 at 1:00 PM
I enjoyed reading this and it reminded me of the movie '' Fifty First Dates''. It might be interesting to have each time your with someone for them to look at you with eyes that are seeing you for the first . Keep up the good work. Huggs TLee
Duncan Avatar
April 5, 2013 at 2:36 PM
love that movie ;}
Austin Avatar
April 5, 2013 at 8:05 AM
Sad. I think of Ronald Reagan and other brilliant people. Such a waste. Good Stuff, Debbie. Love, daver
Duncan Avatar
April 5, 2013 at 3:09 PM
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Squyres Avatar
April 3, 2013 at 8:22 PM
I like the delicate way you wrote of this disease...and how the loved one's care for them. I was always amazed at what my grandmother and father could remember...things before my time of memory.
Duncan Avatar
April 4, 2013 at 8:39 PM
Thank you ;}
Kendrick Avatar
April 3, 2013 at 5:25 AM
A great movie to see is called "The Notebook" or the book by the same name by Nicolus Sparks(first name might not have the correct spelling)...Alzheimer's is a terrible disease as are all the other dementias..Sometimes it is not a very pleasant sight and some people who have it are pleasant to have around..There is a mental disease called Huntington's Disease which is one of the worst disease that causes brain destruction and it can hit even from 2 years old on up..Enjoyed reading this one..SK
Duncan Avatar
April 3, 2013 at 10:59 AM
Thank you Sara.
Dietrich Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 10:49 PM
this is so poignant. Bittersweet love. it happened to my stepdad. I love how you wrote of this disease and its affects in a beautiful way.
Duncan Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 11:37 PM
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Beaufort Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 7:42 PM
I FORGOT TO SAY--HEY--you write about pretty important and deep stuff. A pleasure to read as always.
Duncan Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 11:48 PM
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Beaufort Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 7:41 PM
Yes, it is nice that some people are loyal to the end. I do think that is the way it should be. Nursing homes have a place, but staying and dying at home is the way to go when possible. Our society has become very insensitive in this regard. We just visited my wife's uncle. I believe he will come home from the nursing home since that is where he wants to be. He is pretty good in the head.
Duncan Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 11:17 PM
Thank you Robert .
Johnson Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 5:08 PM
Such a lonley way to live. It's such a hidious disease. Nice tribute to the woman in the story. Peace. :)
Jones Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 2:34 PM
Very well done Debbie and a great big blessing I pray to all those strong enough to help their loved ones through this.....Donna
Andresen Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 3:41 AM
I work with people with this disease for about 30 years ..... it's really sad. - You have written a really good poem Debbie, I "see" many of those I've been with here in your poem .... horrible for the family and friends. - oxox / / Anne-Lise :)
Duncan Avatar
April 2, 2013 at 11:51 PM
thank you Anne ;}
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