My Mother, My Friend

Alzheimer's Poem

by Julie Stell Croxton
(N Little Rock, AR USA)

It comes without warning
no sound, no sign.
The person I know
has again been left behind.

In place of my mother
is someone unknown
A vicious, hurtful person
has invaded my home.

As I hang on
and the abuse passes me by
I know the person she was
is still somewhere inside.

So I wait and remember
how life used to be
When she once knew who I was
when she once could see me.

This change doesn't occur
each and everyday
When she knows who I am
she will hug me and say
"I love you Julie, for all that you do,
I know I wouldn't be here today
if it wasn't for you."

How do you fight something so horrific
that cannot be seen
As it hides in the shadows
it's intent to demean?

I pray everyday
that there will soon come a time
When Alzheimer's is vanquished
and this suffering has been left behind.....

by julie stell croxton

Julie Croxton
North Little Rock, AR