My dear friend, Tracy,

With this poem, I hope in some small way I have captured a moment in your life.

Love and prayers to you,

Joyce



BECAUSE

I see fearful eyes and ask myself if I frightened you,
Or wonder if you’re afraid of the stranger I am becoming;
Maybe they are tears you are simply trying to hide
Because you don’t want to share with me your feelings of loss.

I may not or cannot understand your feeling of losing me,
But I know the feeling of being locked within my mind
And know should I stand, I am without direction
Because there is no key to open the door now sealed.

Through silent screams I try to tell you I am lost today,
That nourishment to me is no more than chicken and chocolate;
But you seem intent upon asking questions, wanting more
Because you are desperately holding on to our yesterdays.

You must know these unfound words hold power over me,
And I’m too imprisoned to offer explanations or reasons.
Just as the clock gives you the time, it offers me passing moments
Because its numbers and motions are now without meaning.

In rare moments I sometimes wonder how I can make you understand,
Hoping you will see the fog rolling in and engulfing me;
But I know my repetitive questions will once again push you away
Because I have heard too often the frustration in your “never mind.”

As I lose more of me, I want you to once more hold me tightly,
Even if we are more often strangers and I cannot recall your name.
I want to laugh and sing and feel the wind against my cheeks
Because though I am slowly leaving, I am still here in the moment.


JEWinslow
Februafry 23, 2009

Joyce, I cannot thank you enough my Friend for the words you have written in my honor. I tried to read it to my husband and could not, my voice broke on the second line. You did an amazing job being able to see into the mind of a person with dementia. I plan to frame this an hang it by the computer where I am always near. Again, THANK YOU!

Love Always, Tracy

Joyce:

I am in awe of how you can captivate feelings and emotions in words....

thought I was recovered from the Joyce and Bill.....will started again....

xxoo
karen

Joyce,
Gulp!!! Ok, can't say anymore, just gulp!! Pass the kleenex please!

Jackie