Considering my fear of dementia, a friend shared a poem titled “A Poem About My Wife,” not in a literal sense; in fact, we might call it a note written by a sad man.

It was about someone named Phil Sharman.

Phil’s wife, Beverly, was diagnosed with mixed dementia in 2013 and was placed in residential care, where she was cared for and stayed happy and content. 

Phil's lines tell us how dementia had changed both their lives.

Read the lines - 

Where have you gone?

Why did you leave?

You could not tell me
  

I watched you leaving

In your mind always with me

In my mind you slipping away 

Little things

Forgotten skills

Confusing words  
  

Once you dressed yourself

Used a knife and a fork

Then dignity slipped away  
  

Once we slept together

Then you slept by day

And I worried by night  
  

You Walked into town alone

Enjoying your independence

But friends found you and returned you
  

We planned to tour the world

Each able to play our part

Now those dreams are gone  

Others your family now
  

Many share your condition

Some care for you as I wish I could  

When I visit Your face lights up

But words do not come  
  

Your eyes ask how I am

Your touch compassionate

Your lips still passionate  
  

We sit together

Words from me

Smiles from you  

Cruel dementia

Stealing your memories

But leaving mine