Alzheimer's Prayer
This heartfelt prayer story is written by Heidi after visiting a loved one with Alzheimer's.
Today, like yesterday,
I went to sit beside her.
I warmed one ice-cold hand,
her favorite candy in the other.
I asked her if she liked my sweater.
She looked at me so puzzled,
“Who are you visiting here?”
Her face set in a question.
“Why you,” I said, smiling softly.
“Really,” she said, “how kind.”
As she smoothed her skirt,
I searched her eyes,
but could not see myself
inside of them.
No—I screamed, but not audibly.
Don’t take her away yet.
Please, just one more day,
I beg of You.
Allow me time.
Time to hear her stories,
committing them to memory.
Allow me a peace
beyond all understanding.
Allow me acceptance
from daughter to stranger.
I rejoice, You heard me!
She shared her candy;
she said my name.
You gave me one more day. -Heidi Haller