do I miss her laughing voice
yes
my heart cries out
straining to hear her call in the silence
do I miss the rose petal scent of her softness
yes
each breath aching to know her once more
do I miss the way she tossed her hair
her playful smile that said
I’m beautiful
do I miss her reaching out
to take my hand
to dance with me
in blissful oneness
yes
with every heartbeat
but mostly
I miss her whispering
lips kissing mine
mio
tio stib
in the muck of news’ day platitudes
I’ve lost my cheery attitude
midst hate and anger screamed and spewed
what happened to beatitudes
but past these ugly, mindless feuds
beyond behavior simply rude
there is another world that can be viewed
in Nature’s holy latitudes
in this world outside our doors
flowers dance, birds sing, and oceans roar
a world that heeds not human news
where souls soar high on gratitude
You might also enjoy: Truth, Promise
it was a time of fairy tales
that all came true
of Camelot
and brave knights and slain dragons
of innocence and naivete
but dark clouds rolled in
shadows filled the voids
Ozzie and Harriet passed on
Ricky learned a lesson at a garden party
war reappeared from history books
high school friends did not come back
dreams became degrees without jobs
marriages birthed babies that pooped and cried
and suddenly
there it was
a world outside the castle walls
a world that sometimes screamed
shut up!
A world where people died
long before they were old
and dreams became budgets that never had enough
and happiness hid behind closed eyes
until finally
I began to grow up
to accept that this is what life really is
that those early years were a precious gift
a time to explore, to be curious, to
strengthen values that would later guide me
across life’s stormy oceans
and as I pause
pondering the next step on my journey
I gratefully reflect
on the delights
the inspiration
of younger years
tio stib
I told myself things would be so I made this promise years ago yet, in the waining of my days that youthful zeal has lost its gaze the hopes, the dreams of star crossed eyes buried under life’s goodbyes but I was loved held heart close by angels whom I treasured most for when I came to be another promise made to me a force beyond what I could see has filled my life with ecstasy tio stib
it is quiet
blissfully calm
as I offer my thanks
for the bounty of blessings
that fill my life
a week of good people
good happenings
food on the table
money in the bank
health and wellness
hearts that care
yes
I think
I am truly blessed
and I wonder
does God care if I get out of bed today?
tio stib
You might also enjoy: High on Gratitude; Life Journey Poems & Prose
there were times
moments walking down my road
times I felt the grace of God
a smile that called me out to play
a word that brightened up my day
a secret kiss
romance’s bliss
unexpected thoughtfulness
a voice divine
a view sublime
a dream of peace for all mankind
lying warm
in life’s winter sun
I know
there were times
when I was dearly loved
tio stib
You might also enjoy: High on Gratitude; Life Journey Poems & Prose
in the muck of news’ day platitudes
I’ve lost my cheery attitude
midst hate and anger screamed and spewed
what happened to beatitudes
but past these ugly, mindless feuds
beyond behavior simply rude
there is another world that can be viewed
in Nature’s holy latitude
in this world outside our doors
flowers dance, birds sing, and oceans roar
a world that heeds not human news
where souls soar high on gratitude
You might also enjoy: Morning Bliss; Life Journey Poems & Prose
Tio Stib
2016, 2019, 2020
Yes, dementia sucks and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, but living with dementia has also brought blessings. The experience of being my wife’s caregiver has pushed me to be a better person, challenged my ability to love and forced me to be humble.
We have received help from family, friends, and unexpected places, good people who have stepped up when we needed assistance. In a world that often seems filled with cynicism and negativity, I have been given renewed faith in the basic goodness of human beings.
We’ve had the sweet perfume of roses and buzz of hummingbirds just outside our door.
We have a A treasure chest of wonderful memories from our life together that lights up dark days.
Although dementia is slowly taking my wife’s mind away, it has not taken her cheerfulness. Her joyful smile continues to light up my life.
I’ve never known a more perfect example of love than my wife, my Maria, she is my hero. I could not have been more blessed than to find her smiling face in front of me when I opened the front door that fateful day a dozen years ago.
tio stib
You might also appreciate: Her Smile; My Dementia Diary
It’s too easy to forget all we have to be grateful for so I’m stopping to do so today-
Today’s Gratitude List-
My wife’s constant joy for life, and, in spite of her diminishing mental capacity, her ever present love radiating out to everyone she meets.
Our excellent physical health, strong and vital bodies that take us out into the world on foot each day.
Family and friends who reach out regularly to share their love and care for us.
A small town life that is safe, convenient, and filled with beauty.
A home that fits us in every way.
Money in the bank, no debts, and enough income each month to meet expenses.
Health insurance, including a caring and intelligent doctor who cares for both of us.
Advanced technology that lets us connect with friends and family and allows me to write and publish for a worldwide audience.
Fresh tomatoes for BLTs.
The smell of roses by the door.
My wife’s delighted descriptions of hummingbirds buzzing about the feeder.
A treasure chest of wonderful memories to light up dark days.
Lastly, dementia is taking my wife’s mind slowly, enabling us to make the most of the life we still have.
Yes, I could go on and on, but I’ve written enough, thought enough, to be reminded that despite our life challenges, we’ve got a lot of good going for us.
tio stib
You might also enjoy: High on Gratitude, My Dementia Diary
“Tis the season of returning Spring vacationees, folks coming back from school breaks and family outings, eager to share the stories of their adventures. I force myself to smile and say, “how nice.” But it’s easy to be resentful.
Sure, cross country skiing through pristine trails in the mountains, drinking margaritas at sunset on a Hawaiian beach, or visiting the the wonderful museums in Washington, D.C., sounds like fun.
If you’re not blind and caring for a wife with dementia.
Sour grapes? Totally, which is why I work hard not to fall into the resentment trap.
After all, how many people get up in the morning with money in the bank, no debt, and food in the refrigerator? How many people go for a leisurely walk each morning in a comfortable climate through a safe and friendly small town, past sweet smelling flowers and singing birds, and listen to the gentle lap of waves on a beach?
Our adventures may not be as grand and exciting as the returning vacationees, but ours are no less delightful.
I’m better off being grateful for what we have, than resenting what we don’t.
tio stib
You might also enjoy: My Dementia Diary 53 – The Walk to Paradise Garden, My Dementia Diary
