She Used To Cry

She used to cry
She would be alone
And suddenly scared
She’d call to me and 
I’d rush there

She’d act so brave
But then it would come
The crack in her voice
The pain that wouldn’t numb

This woman who has been so respected
Dear to so many,
Treasured by her family
Now sat beside me 
Feeling rejected

And starting to cry she visibly shook
She said you know I can’t remember
I think so hard and it won’t come
How much will I lose before it is done

I became the mom 
And she my child
As I wrapped her in my arms
And protectingly rocked her
My love so full but not able to 
Save her from what this disease would do

Whenever she’d call
I’d come and pray
But this night the prayer was different
I prayed as if I was holding my dearest child
I prayed that the Father would wrap her in his arms
Give her comfort  and the confusion would be mild

I prayed He would be the Father that she now needed
And His voice would be the one that she now heeded
And she could feel the love of so many
And rest

She doesn’t cry now
She doesn’t know
She accepts her plight
To live in the darkness of night
She  lives in confusion
And forgets the illusion 
That she will get better

She doesn’t cry now

Dedicated to Nell Young Wise
An amazingly precious soul
That I call mom
Slipping further into dementia
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Richards Avatar
January 7, 2010 at 6:15 PM
my dear miss G. I had forgotten some of these older poems of yours...so I have gone back and read many of your gems. It makes me miss you here on the Soup...even though I still hear from you, ... I think your poems open up your heart in such a different way. Your poetry is heart wrenching, lovely sweet, funny and wonderful. I just had to tell you that once again! Hope you are doing well since the holiday! This poem really tugged at my heart...your sweet mama...how hard this has been. xoxo
Mccall Avatar
March 1, 2009 at 7:53 AM
A child is mostly all we live for very powerfull
Schermerhorn Avatar
January 6, 2009 at 4:17 PM
this is an extremely touching and heartfelt write so very beautiful and what a tender dedication
Forcier Avatar
December 18, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Laurie, I can relate to this poem alot. My mother -in -law suffered from this for five years, she was surrounded by he entire family the whole time before she past away almost two years ago. great job.-Steve
Gass Avatar
December 13, 2008 at 12:29 AM
This is such a beautiful and tenderly written poem. I worked with an elderly woman as an aid and companion for the last 6 years of her life. She was almost 95 when she passed. We became close. I watched as her memory loss gradually took her away from us and how frustrating it was for her. So sad to watch. What a beautiful tribute you have written for your "mom". God Bless and Happy Holidays. Love Robin
Wiggins Avatar
December 10, 2008 at 12:58 PM
This is very heartfelt... *Breana*
Rhinem Avatar
December 4, 2008 at 12:51 AM
It is late here now dear lady; and I must be getting a tad bit of rest~Yet, after reading your faith-filled comments, my heart was filled with such happiness and joy~To find such a beautiful light in this place! Yes, "God" loves us so immensley! And "Prayer," is the ultimate communion with "Our Father In Heaven!"~I'm so very glad I met "You,"~I could feel Christ inside of your words/you--"Have A Blessed & Beautiful Night Dear Laurie, Always, John!"~Bye Dear:)
Rhinem Avatar
December 3, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Was your loving reference toward "prayer!"~And towards "God!"~It reminded my of the fifth chapter of the Book of James---You sound like a very loving and faithful lady! One with the "Light of Christ" shining through you~and this, "Paints You Very Lovely!"~"Wonderful Enlightening And Compassion Filled Write,"~"God Bless You Always, John!:)
Rhinem Avatar
December 3, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Hello Dear Laurie Ginn~I have a good friend of mine whose mother had dementia in her later years-He retired as a warden from a prison in california, so that he could spend more time with and take care of her--one time he come home and she was eating a can of dog food; thought it was somethiing else? My favorite part of this write which your heart wrote here-cont-
Watts Avatar
December 3, 2008 at 11:47 AM
thank you for my poem for Justin and thank you again for praying for him. my lastest news about him is that he's now in surgury, if you wanted to know...this peom is very good and its now one of my favorites :). hi, by the way, i'm Sam :) ~Love Sammy~
Matheny Avatar
December 3, 2008 at 11:28 AM
You know you can text me whenever. . . Just lettin you know that. . . Love You Best And Dearest Friend Alexz Matheny >.<
Watts Avatar
December 3, 2008 at 8:41 AM
Alexz told me you prayed for Justin. thank you alot :) everyone apprciates it
Matheny Avatar
December 3, 2008 at 8:36 AM
I'm virtual schooled. . . And thank you for praying with me. . .
Matheny Avatar
December 3, 2008 at 8:21 AM
OMG!!!!!!!! My friend was just hit by a van!!!!! I'm bein SERIOUS!!!!!!
Gorelick Avatar
December 2, 2008 at 4:00 PM
You did a nice job with such a difficult subject. The last stanza is wonderful. Wish she could enjoy your poetry. BG
Purdum Avatar
December 2, 2008 at 3:54 PM
God Bless You, I went through this with my Dad-Writing helps some-powerful and delicate poem that touches the heart with tears. Much Love and Respect, Fritz
Winter Avatar
December 2, 2008 at 3:01 PM
Deeply touching and so very sad. My best friend's mom suffered from the same disease. I sadly am familiar with what you are going through, and my heart goes out to you. A beautiful tribute. Love, Shar
Payne Avatar
December 2, 2008 at 11:26 AM
This is so precious, so kind and loving, a beautiful tribute. Very touching also, it's such a hard thing she's going through i just can't imagine... wonderful write, blessings, ~Michaela~
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