Marguerite

Recently, I had the opportunity to spend time with a man and his wife. She has had Alzheimer's for some time now, and their life has had major adjustments to it. I was moved by the love this man had for his wife- true love, one that gives without getting. As we wept together over the sharing of painful memories, I was thankful he let me in on his life. He was not ashamed, embarrassed, or saddened in any way by his life. His heart was filled with the love of Jesus, and he shared it with everyone he met and cared for daily in the memory care unit where his wife now lives.

I wrote this poem for him and his wife, and I hope it paints a picture of one couple's struggle with this dreadful disease and the hope that overcomes through love.

Marguerite

Two pillows, one head,

Lying awake, alone, in bed;

The tears have already been shed.

But tomorrow is another day.

One wall, two frames,

Holding pictures with their names;

The faces don’t quite look the same.

But tomorrow is another day.

One pond, little fish,

Four years, one wish;

A familiar look, a knowing kiss.

But tomorrow is another day.

A woman so sweet swept him off his feet

Before he even turned seventeen. Now wondering,

Puzzling, after sixty years, why she must come here.

It breaks his heart to leave her every day,

The pain of a thousand deaths, but her heart still beats.

He is never beat, never leaves her side,

The tears cried make him more certain of the life he’s been given.

Jesus has a promise and we all await heaven,

So he takes a deep breath, begins to pray,

And lets Jesus lead them on to another day.

Two homes, here and there,

Neither has the squeak of a rocking chair;

He learned to love in the truest way, to selflessly care.

And tomorrow is another day.

photo from https://unsplash.com/search/aging?photo=ULz8ELesYBM