You didn’t say goodbye

My grandma suffered with dementia in her last few weeks. Knowing she was there but it was too late to say goodbye will upset me forever.

I could see her but she wasn’t there
I could hug her but she couldn’t feel me
Her voice was hers but her words were a strangers
Somebody else was taking over her body
I never wanted to leave her but I found it hard to look at her
I wanted nothing more than to feel her hands cup my face
My beautiful grandma had gone without saying goodbye

Author's Note

Emotional words that I just needed to write down to process my thoughts. Not too fussed on critique on this one.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

I once worked in a chronic disease hospital and saw many people with dementia. Your words capture very well the feelings of their loved ones. Good work.

[Carol Cashes]

My grandmother didn't know me when she developed dementia, but one afternoon, at my mother's, we talked as strangers getting to know one another for about two hours and I will never forget that woman. It was a part of her that I never knew as a child and she my granny. I'm sorry this hurt you, especially if you were close. I cherish those two hours getting to know Edna Merck, formerly my grandmother. I would wish that for anyone who loses someone to this insidious and hateful condition.