rekem

My wife's favorite song goes like this ---

"Islands in the Stream"
That is what we are
No one in-between
How can we be wrong
Sail away with me to another world
And we rely on each other, ah-ah
From one lover to another, ah-ah"

As her dementia progresses so does her trip to the next island.
She has many other people on the same Island
Although unaware of their presence.

She cannot hold her head up – but she sometimes smiles,
She doesn't know which Island she's on – but that's a blessing.
She doesn't recognize me after decades of marriage –
but "You do something to me that I can't explain
Hold me closer and I feel no pain."

Her speech is almost unintelligible – but that's OK because we communicate by holding hands. "Tender love is blind --It requires a dedication -- All this love we feel --Needs no conversation"

Everyone is on an Island –the journey starts at birth. Since we are basically unable to control the day of our birth nor the day we pass – it is the love and care that you and the other caregivers provide as each Island is reached.

You probably wonder – is she suffering any – and I believe - much less than you. While you may experience a 'stream' of emotions that's a gift that humans have.

The condition has been called 'The Long Goodbye' so that gives you time - to hug –to hold –to love – and to cherish – from this day forward. –

"That is what we are - And we rely on each other – ah-ah."