lost in the bliss of slumber
I’m prodded awake
hear her pleading
help me
she stands beside the bed
naked
shivering
help me
it’s 4 a.m.
she has shed her pajamas
and there are no words
no rational arguments
nothing will quell her demented need
to get dressed and go for a walk
I will myself up
take her arm gently
lead her to the closet,, a chair
and begin, as we’ve done so many times
to dress her
underwear, socks, shirt
guide her legs into pants
her arms into a jacket
I place shoes by her feet
and leave to use the bathroom
relieving myself,
the same question haunts me
how did I offend the gods
what did I do
to create this nightmare
I hear a whimper
she’s standing in the doorway
clothes discarded
naked in the night
she bursts into tears
in anguished remorse
I die once more
tio stib
You might also enjoy: This Child Who Once Was Woman, My Dementia Diary
Category” My Dementia Diary
dementia, Alzheimer’s, marriage, partnership, remorse, commitment
Travels with Tio 
I can never read these accounts of your life without being struck by your amazing patience and the love you have for your wife. It may be a small consolation but you inspire me and many others who read your post. Bless you
Thank you.