Living with Bob and "Al"

Bob and "Al" are sharing space
"Al's" thoughts are showing on Bob's face

Bob strong and silent, with nothing to say
"Al"  weak and confused as he chatters away

Bob the hard worker, hands big and strong
"Al" the choir singer, tapping hands all day long

Living life together, the best it can be
Sheri and Bob and "Al" makes three.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Bob and "Al" are sleeping
Pain in their body grips the night

"Al" yells through tightly clenched teeth
Sounds of fear,  as if engaged in fight

The battle marches onward
the wounded mind retreats

Bob and "Al" fight desperately for control
even as he sleeps.....

It is National Poetry Day here is my contribution

My Salvation Poem written by none other than ...me. September 18, 1997
What is most important about this, is that God knew what my life had in store for me  and knew I would need Him desperately ...way before "Al" moved in.

 I had wept through life in silent sorrow

With Christ unknown, an uncertain tomorrow.

 So I searched my heart for many years 

 And wrestled with my many fears.

 It was a journey that took me deep within

 a place in my soul I had never been.

Among the books I walked many a mile

Looking for answers in God’s gracious smile.

Then as if the Lord had blessed my eyes

The words were real, I was no longer blind.

You died on the cross and took with You my sin

Only now I can see how selfish I’ve been!

Yet with open arms I found You there

with a forgiving heart and a tender prayer.

I have humbly asked You into my heart

Thank You dear Jesus, we never shall part.

 

Sheri Zschocher

 

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri sometimes sits and studies Bob's face
Searching familiar lines, in a now unfamiliar place

The lines that led gently to his deep set brown eyes
The lines to the crease of his gentle soft smile

The line to his jaw that was bold and strong
The line to his neck that was lean and long

Sheri sometimes sits and studies Bob's face
Searching for Bob in "Al's" unfamiliar face.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri knows she goes through cycles of emotions. She tries hard to stay on track with her "live one moment at a time" theory. She knows in her mind there is no use dwelling on the situation, but her heart sometimes persuades her head to touch the emotions she keeps buried about this "Alzheimer" world she lives in. Having just had their 25th anniversary, and Bob's birthday, Sheri feels like she may be a tad bit stuck in that "place" right now. She has learned that she just needs to ride it out, it is what it is and as it is with all grief... it's okay to feel it.

Philippians 4:6-7Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri thinks she needs a break today
She just can't keep the tears away

Seeing the confusion on Bob's face
When "Al's" thoughts disappear without a trace

Seeing "them" look for things misplaced
Hearing "their" words when they are out of place

Seeing his daughters hide their fears
Seeing his daughters hide their tears

Watching her life as if it is not her own
Trapped in a nightmare , but awake... and alone




He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds."
--Psalms 147:3

Living with Bob and "Al"

Yesterdays post showed Bob's birdhouses from the front. From Bob's chair that he sits in in the living room Bob's view looked like this

"Al" told Sheri that he thinks we missed something very important, "Al" pointed to the birdhouses and said with deep worry on his face " We forgot to drill the holes for the birdie to get in" :)

Living with Bob and "Al"

Bob and "Al" are sharing space
"Al's" confusion is showing on Bob's face.

Bob wants to work, ("Al" thinks he does)
"Al's" been to places, Bob never was.

Bob searches for memories, of his life in the past
The memories are there, but just out of "Al's"grasp.

Bob strong and able, gentle and kind
"Al" moving slowly through the rest of Bob's mind.

2 Corinthians verse 4
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."