OPTIMIST

“William”, eighty-eight years old, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease five years ago. He has been on a steady decline ever since.  William has been married to his wife, “Kelly” for over forty years.  They have two children, who live out of state.  Unfortunately they cannot be involved much due to their geographic distance. 

William lives in the Memory Care Unit of a local Residential Care Facility.  When the hospice nurse and I walked into his room, he so beautifully smiled at us.  Once could see how intelligent he had been, in the way he diverted answers to our questions to Kelly.  

He laughed so easily at what we said, but also at what he said.  It so lit up the room.  In addition, it was so beautiful to see the love the couple had for each other.  He may have limited short term memory, but his love just shined.  It was absolutely beautiful. 

OPTIMISTIC 

 

The moment we stepped into his room,

he gave us the most beautiful smile.

He was sitting in a large, leather recliner;

                    his wife seated nearby.

 

Five years ago, Alzheimer’s did rear its head.

His confusion has been on a constant decline.

He was a brilliant research scientist

                   and oh, so very smart.

 

Out of respect, we spoke to both of them.

So much of what we said, he did not comprehend.

He did not know most answers to our questions,

but would so brilliantly defer to his wife.

 

He so adored her; as she did him.

He knew she would always take care of him.

“I know she knows what I need; what I want.

I put her in charge. She knows what to do.”

 

He laughed so easily; so freely.

When stuck with what to say,

he would, with much enthusiasm, sing,

                   “Home on the Range”.

 

Confusion did not impact his optimism;

it did not impact his love for his wife.

When I asked about his spiritual beliefs,

he so gently pointed to his wife and softy said,

                    “I believe in her.”