Ray of Sunshine

I wrote this in 2006 as my dad's Alheimer's took him away from us. It was a diary of sorts of the good moments we shared.

Ray of Sunshine

Tuesday, July 11
A tiny ray of sunshine broke through the fog today
did this mean his mind had not entirely gone away?
It only lasted a brief few moments in time
But it gave his sweet wife, my mom, a little peace of mind

Tuesday, July 18
Today another little sliver of the man we all love
Was it a wonderful gift from up above?
A glance that says I know you
You’re my baby daughter, Sue

Saturday, July 22
Talked to the hospital this evening
Seems he was talking with some reasoning,
Visiting with others, with a big smile
Can this possibly last for a while?

Saturday, July 29
Took mom to see him with fear
He just held her near
The sweet little kiss
Was what she had missed

His conversation was in the past
But it didn't matter, it was more than we could ask
A sweet moment in time
Didn't have a reason or Rhyme

Thursday, August 3
Today is mom's day
Her birthday, with lots of sunshine rays
Got to spend some time with dad
A sweet time, and he didn't even get mad

Sunday, August 20
They seemed to connect today in a positive way
Sweet kisses, church together, not a negative word to say
Time spent together, with none of the confusion
Just a moment in time, I hope it wasn't all an allusion

Tuesday, August 29
From A.M. to P.M. what a change
From crying and sad, to a whole another range
Dreading the time when I had to go see
They are sitting holding hands, how can this be

The little kisses are so sweet
The looks on their faces was such a treat
One day at a time is all we can hope for
Good days or bad, we pray for just a little more

Sunday, September 3
Had a phone call today from a far away family member
Going to go meet him, and spend time talking of times we remember
Looking forward to a good Labor Day
I think this is a sunshine ray

Sunday, September 10
Took a little trip to see my girls, just for a couple of days
The time was short but got a lot of new sunshine rays
They were both dancing at the football game
The game was not important, not the reason that I came

Monday, September 11
A good day
No negative rays
Mom and dad were each in a good mood
Not a word passed between them that was rude

Wednesday, September 13
Two days in one week, this is so rare
Holding hands and kissing, seemingly without a care
Wheelchairs side by side; just a moment in time
Watching with tears, we know this isn't a sign

A day my sister and I will never forget
The ones that don't come will end up with regret
These lucid moments are such a gift, almost like a dream
Tomorrow could be another day of tears and screams

I'll take what I can get with grace
In this time I call a crazy race
Lovingly trying to get through another day
Looking, praying for another 'ray'

Sunday, September 24
Since last I posted things have been going okay,
They moved dad out of the lock down unit that day.
The medications have calmed him down so much,
not in the room with mom; but they can still get in touch

Mom in her wheelchair rolling down the hall,
looking for his name on the sign outside on the wall.
The staff all smiling as she goes past
Knowing their time together might not last.

We’re taking it one day at a time, with all the small joys,
Knowing we have to keep up our positive poise
One moment happy is all we can hope
With these good days, we know we can cope.

Sunday, October 8, 2006
We are in the twilight of dad’s time with us
Time shared together is a must
He knows we are there with love
And putting him into the hands of the man above

Surprisingly, he knows who we all are now
Even the grandkids, he knows their names;
Wow My youngest came and let him know his love would last
When he walked in, dad called him rascal; a pet name from the past

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Moments like these are what keep us going on
Even though we all dread the ringing of the phone
Three times a day I have to go see if they are both alright
Walking in the room, mom sitting with dad is my delight

Hope I have more rays to share
Until then please keep us in your prayers
Thanks to all for your kindness to us
You’ve taught me hanging in there is a must

Wednesday, November 8, 2006
The time came when we had to let dad go
Even though our hearts were screaming out 'NO'
October 12th, he left to see his family that had passed
No more pain, his mind is sharp, at peace at last