Tribute to a Caregiver





Today is the same as yesterday,
Probably the same tomorrow.
She can't tell him what she feels . . .
Pain, happiness, joy, or sorrow.

He sits and lovingly holds her hand
Day after day, hour after hour . . .
As the moments pass away
Still her strong, protective tower.


He looks at her so helplessly
I can see it in his eyes.
To have her back for just one day
To him would be worth any price.

A more gallant man I've never known,
So unselfishly devoted -
- The meaning of the word 'hero'
And he doesn't even know it.


He made a vow to honor her
In health and in sickness.
His love for her is priceless
More valuable than riches.

Words are cheap, actions immeasurable
I consistently witness these facts.
He doesn't say much, his deeds are countless
His favors and kindness aren't merely acts.


I've always had great respect for him
But had never actually quite grasped
The true depth of his compassion,
His dedication to any task.

Until the shadow of Alzheimer's
Began to slowly cloud her thoughts
Did I begin to appreciate
The cherished lessons to be taught.


I've learned more than words can express
Through these helpless, heartbreaking years . . .
Love, commitment, and faith in God,
Lessons taught through heartache and tears.

Though this thief has stolen her freedom,
Her practical jokes, her love for life,
It can't take the love from her heart
Nor steal this man's love for his wife.


Had it not been for this "long goodbye"
I might have never understood
The ties that bind us together
- These heartstrings of family - as I should.

You see, this man of which I've written
Is none other than my father
This is my way of letting him know
I love him for loving my mother.

Susan Trafford Martin
March 2006