MOTHER GOOSE AND FATHER TIME

I went to the nursing home to see my wife Naoma today. She sits quietly now, in a state of oblivion, almost beyond initiative or response. This is the first time since she was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease almost seven years ago that she has failed to recognize me. I knew this would happen sooner or later, yet I was not prepared for the suddenness of this reality. It was truly a sad day!

It seems that Naoma and I have been forced to say good-bye one letter at a time over the past several years. We have almost run out of letters and I believe we will both be thankful for that final one.

When we lost the first letter in GOOD-BYE I believe it was exchanged somewhere by a heavenly angel named Vanna with the first letter in a WELCOME sign. We have been exchanging unlike letters ever since. The last letter will not be an exchange. It will be an unveiling and a bon voyage that will set us free!

In the meantime I will visit with her and while we may not be able to physically, mentally and emotionally communicate, I know that we will have a meeting of the minds spiritually, for that bond cannot be broken.

While waiting on the last letter that will mark the close of our glorious adventure through this blinking eye of time, I cannot help but remember the past as I contemplate the future when we shall walk together, hand in hand, into eternity!

Stringing words in a rhythmic way.
Conveying thoughts I’d like to say.
Like misty, moonlit, moments spent,
With you immersed in love’s intent.
Blending body, soul and mind,
Dreaming dreams of things we find
While lost in total pure delights,
Oh wondrous days! Oh wondrous nights!
Where have they gone?
‘Tis sad! ‘Tis sad to be alone!

Dreaming dreams of yesteryear,
Watching films of things held dear.
Of babies crying when they wake
And blowing hopes at candled cake.
Shadowed monsters on the wall,
Shooting rockets that don’t fall.
Doctor Seus and things that rhyme,
Mother Goose and Father Time;
Where have they gone?
‘Tis sad! ‘Tis sad to be alone!

Sounds of sobbing in the night,
Walking floors to ease the fright,
For unlearned sons still in their teens
Gambling all in big machines.
Lifting wings to let them fly
Then pray to God that they don’t die!
Bending ears toward the door,
Welcome footsteps on the floor.
Where have they gone?
‘Tis sad! ‘Tis sad to be alone!

Thinking thoughts that have no end,
Expanding truth, ‘round every bend.
Breaking trails that have not been trod,
Learning lessons taught by God!
Seeking wisdom as I strive,
Knowing well, I won’t arrive.
I’m trusting in His love and might,
But I wonder where they are tonight!
Where have they gone?
‘Tis sad! ‘Tis sad to be alone!