My Guardian Angel

A write derived from what I learned working with Alzheimer's Victims

 

 I feel I should clarify my inspiration for writing this poem. At one time, I worked as a certified nurse aide in a long term care 
facility, a nursing home. As such, I was responsible for providing basic care for the residents. More times than not, I worked the Alzheimer unit. Alzheimer's victims, as we know, do not respond to the outside world as most people do. They all react differently. to different stimuli. But I have found in my work with them, they  respond to Love and affection more than anything you can do for them...but that covers a lot of ground.
Gentle persuasion is the best term I can think of.
 Because they see no logic in following through with
The most mundane tasks of every day life.

            My Guardian Angel

            I am a victim of Alzheimer's disease. It is written,
            'The window to a man's soul is through his eyes.'
            Please look into my eyes and see 
          What I am trying to say to you.
          
            I know that I'm mean and ornery at times,
            And it might seem without reason or rhyme.
            You might wonder what you are doing here...
            But I have to know it's because you really care.
          
          Oh please, won't you understand?
            I'm no different from any other woman or man.
            God just took my mind and left my body
       To do the best that it can.
          
          But just because my mind is gone,
            Doesn't mean my soul doesn't live on...
            And the only thing my soul can do,
            Is to look through my eyes,
            And long for the love it knew...
            So I have to count on you...
            My Guardian Angel
          
       And if you are really good to me,
            When I leave this earth and my maker I see...
            You know I'll put in a good word for you,
            Because that's the last thing that I'll have to do...
            For My Guardian Angel.

 

Reviews

[Suelou]

This is a very touching write, my friend. As you know, I too work as a CNA and Home health Aide. I have worked with the Alzhiemers. It is such a sad, sad disease. I have watched them cry big old tears, for what seemd to be no reason at all. But, they knew what those tears were for. All I could do was put my arms around them, and old them while they cried. I have you know, it broke my heart to see them cry such big tears.

[Angel Bird]

I am speechless ..... this is soooo beautiful .... so full of grace ... it deeply touched me, and brought tears to my eyes.

I'd like to think that every nurse would think and act that way, but we all know they not all do so ...

Thanks for this remarkable and thought provoking words.

A wonderful favorite.