Her thoughts became a jumble, her memory tangled Oh how easily our fragile mind can get mangled She used to sing and strum a guitar, while I twirled Now she moans and cries, frightened of this world She told me, "My computer don't work good, no more" I hadn't an idea a battle with dementia she was in for Her laugh was so boisterous, and her mood often jolly Now she lies in bed wailing, the last leg of this life folly She told me stories of a poor farm girl in a land far away I listened intently, but my thoughts have begun to betray The memories in this life she shaped have since faded Of the ones she shared, few remain, forgetfulness invaded Sometimes a loved one remembers and shares a story How wonderful to have a new moment of her in her glory As time goes by and she slips further into murkiness Our family must gather muster and sturdiness My mother whom to me is so dear is an empty shell Sadly, she is so far from herself, on this I often dwell There is a day still to come, and she will be whole again My mother at her loveliest with God up in heaven
Mom had a poor education and was prone to flightiness, that allowed dementia to catch us unaware, it's been about 10 years now, five of them none verbal.