11/2: I am still here
November 2, 2015
FCA’s 30 Days of Caregiving blog features stories of caregiving as submitted by families across the country. Family caregivers are invited to send a story and a picture, and share their experiences with others through FCA’s website.
FCA thanks all the caregiving families that have shared their stories of love, loss, bravery, triumphs, community, humor, and sadness. These stories and tips for coping truly help others.
I am still here
I sit here looking out through cloudy eyes. They think I do not see but I do. I just cannot express what it is I see. I am still here.
I ask for help to go to the bathroom. Yes I still know when it is time. It just seems to be time a lot more often. I am still here.
I might not know who you are so please help me to know. I am still here.
I do not always remember where the bathroom is. Please guide me gently. I am still here.
Please help me to stay clean. I am a proud woman and I am still here.
I feel pain—a great deal of pain. Please help me and ease that pain. I am still here.
Please help me to eat for I still get hungry. I am still here.
I do not always hear what you are saying to me. Please repeat it so that I can understand what it is. I am still here.
Please be patient with me. I have no control over what this has done to me. I am still here.
Please touch me and let me feel your warmth. I am still here.
Please love me and let me love you. I am still here.
And when the time comes and my physical presence is gone, place your hand on your heart and know that I will always be here.