This is a gorgeous musical version of the Owen Darnell poem that is often referred to as the ‘Alzheimer’s Poem’.
Do Not Ask Me to Remember
Do not ask me to remember,
Don’t try to make me understand,
Let me rest and know you’re with me,
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.
I’m confused beyond your concept,
I am sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you
To be with me at all cost.
Do not lose your patience with me,
Do not scold or curse or cry.
I can’t help the way I’m acting,
Can’t be different though I try.
Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone,
Please don’t fail to stand beside me,
Love me ’til my life is done.
– Owen Darnell
SOURCE:
- This is my musical version of the Owen Darnell poem of the same name – Often referred to as the ‘Alzheimer’s Poem’.Sadly, my Dad is struck with this horrible disease and we have had to watch it gradually take him further from us year after year. The words of the poem are very powerful, especially for anyone who has seen the effects of the disease first hand.To all affected – sufferers and carers alike, my thoughts go out to you. Stay strong.Chris – SquareSpiral
Sooooo Sweet and true!!!!
Thank you Chris the words of this song really touched my heart as I lived this with my beloved Husband as AD took over his very being for 7 years. When diagnose he ask to be treated as the same person for he was. I strived to do that and as he lay in bed one evening I seen yes he was the same person. When I bathed him and dried his hair yes it was the same silky hair and as I shaved his face his chin still had the stubbornness about it. : )His hand were yes the same hands that held mine when we first met and held each of our three children when they were born. So you see Chris Alzheimer's doesn't always get to be the winner. Look for moments of joy in the smile on your dear Dad's face, the twinkle in his eyes or the touch of his hand in yours…these will be your treasures that will walk with you in your tomorrows. Know your Dad is blessed to call you his Son my friend. May God's love and sustaining grace walk with you and your dear Dad as your travel your difficult journey Chis is my prayer…Bless Ann
May I have permission to quote the "Alzheimer's Poem" in a book I am writing about my husband's Alzheimer's? goodellpr@yahoo.com
Try Googling Owen Darnell. It is his poem.
Many thanks for the kind comments on my song.
If anyone is interested it is a free download from my SoundCloud page:
https://soundcloud.com/squarespiral/do-not-ask-me-to-remember-the-alzheimers-poem
You may find https://youtu.be/7IO4u-jwS6Q of interest. I was so moved by Owen Darnell's poem about dementia that I set it to music, not realising someone had already done so.