Monday 25 May 2015

Visiting Time


When can I go home?
This is your home Mum
How long have I lived here?
Two years Mum
Where’s Dennis?
Dad died Mum
When?
Two years ago Mum. You didn’t want to live on your own, remember?
Where do I live?
You’ve got a nice little flat just down the corridor Mum
I want to go home
This is your home Mum
How long have I lived here?
Two years Mum
Where’s Dennis?
Dad died Mum
When did that happen?
Two years ago Mum.
What did he want to go and do that for?
I dunno. It’s sad isn’t it? Have another piece of cake Mum

3 comments:

Wisewebwoman said...

Oh my heart breaks. This must be so very hard.

XO
WWW

Steve said...

Having worked in a nursing home for 10 years and then seeing my dad struggle with dementia earlier this year (admittedly only for a short period) I sympathise. Sometimes it's best to spare them the truth and just humour them... or give them a reason that begs no more questions. Sometimes that's the only comfort you can give them. Temporary reassurance that is all is OK. Hugs.

The Poet Laura-eate said...

Hi WWW, I have already lost my father to dementia and my partner is about to lose his, so poem is not 100% autobiographical. My partner's father still has some lucid moments, but can no longer dress himself or perform any everyday tasks unassisted. It is really sad.

Hi Steve, sorry to hear about your dad. We humour Robin sometimes, but there is always the danger that doing so may just encourage speedier deterioration. He knows something is wrong, just can't put his finger on it. He does love being read to though, especially Shakespeare or the mass.