 by Carolyn Haynali 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 too. 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.
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