Dear Margaret
This is a poem written by Theresa in memory of her mother Margaret who dedicated herself to caring for her husband Paddy who was living with Alzheimer's Disease.
Dear Margaret
I was not there,
That confused old man wasn't me.
It wasn't that I didn't care,
I still loved my family.
It was so unfair.
I forgot your name.
Bet you thought I did not care.
But still you came.
I'm sorry I forgot your face,
Forgot your name,
Forgot my place.
I wasn't the same.
I wanted to walk
But stumbled clumsily along.
I tried to talk
But everything came out wrong.
I'm sorry if I shouted.
I didn't mean to,
But never once you doubted
My love for you.
My blue eyes lost their shine;
Dull and grey and lifeless too.
They really were no longer mine.
Let me go, please do.
Now I must take my leave.
In your heart hold this thought,
As you start to grieve:
You were everything I sought.
I knew all along it was you
There by my side
Loving me as you do
With compassion and pride.
I am again as I was before
A father, a grandfather
And the husband that you adore.
Because now I am free
And I must say goodbye.
Once again I am me
And dance with the Lord in His never ending sky.