Alzheimer Patient’s Prayer

Pray for me I was once like you
Be kind and loving to me,
That’s how I would have treated you.
Remember I was once someone’s parent or spouse
I had a life and a dream for the future.

Speak to me, I can hear you
even if I don’t understand what you are saying.
Speak to me of things in my past of which I can still relate.
Be considerate of me, my days are such a struggle.

Think of my feelings
because I still have them and can feel pain.
Treat me with respect
because I would have treated you that way

Think of how I was
before I got Alzheimer’s
I was full of life;
I had a life, laughed and loved you

Think of how I am now,
my disease distorts my thinking, my
feelings, and my ability to respond,
but I still love you
even if I can’t tell you.

Think about my future
because I used to.
Remember I was full
of hope for the future just like you are now

Think how it would be to have things locked in your mind
and can’t let them out.
I need you to understand
and not blame me but, Alzheimer’s

I still need the compassion
and the touching and most of all
I still need you to love me.
Keep me in your prayers
because I am between life and death

The love you give
will be a blessing from God and both of
us will live forever
How you live and what you do today
will always be remembered
in the heart of the Alzheimer’s Patient

© 2000 Carolyn Haynali