Waiting
for rain to stop
for lightning to pass
for time to walk
Waiting
for hen to return
for eggs to incubate
for ducklings to hatch
Waiting
for minnows to squirm
for ripples to fade
for wings to fly
Waiting
for water to break
for labor to start
for birth of a new grandson
Waiting
for swelling to abate
for injury to heal
for movement to return
Waiting
for her body to give up
for heaven to open
for another angel
My mother has been living with Alzheimer’s. Now she is dying. My siblings and I have told her she can give up the fight. She received her last rights. It’s a waiting game now. Her 89th birthday is tomorrow.
The Longest Day is a fundraising event for the Alzheimer’s Association. I am once again raising funds in honor of Mom’s birthday. The link to donate is here.
http://act.alz.org/goto/Dotgibson
My sorority ADK has made beautiful purple beaded bracelets. If you donate, I will send you a bracelet. There is little I can do to change my mother’s condition, but I can help the charge for more research and help for others.
Waiting…
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, your poem is exquisite, and I am so sorry to read about your mother’s illness. Alzheimer’s is such a devastating disease. Thanks for sharing your moving poem and post!
I hope you find beauty even in this time…it’s very sacred. I’m so glad you can be with her. Happy Birthday, Dot. xo
that’s a lot of emotional images in one poem. it’s very touching and well done.
Margaret,
Your poem is beautiful. I think Alzheimer’s and dementia are the cruelest ways to age. I’m sorry you’re going through this agony. I know like Kim you’ve been waiting for this inevitable death, but knowing it will happen soon does not make it easier. Sending peace and light to you, friend.
Sending hugs.
Margaret, your poem is a beautiful reminder of the slow, but certain journey of people with Alzheimer’s as well as their families. I pray you all find the strength to hold on until Heaven opens its door and your mom finds peace, again. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending hugs and thoughts. Always a hard time. Your poem says it so well.
I meant to call today, Margaret, but I ended up uploading photos all day to the slide show for Dad. I am praying your mother finds release soon – there is a bittersweetness to the end of the journey that comes with tears of joy and sorrow. My father said, two weeks into the main turning point, “We sure have done a lot of waiting.” Your post is so apt.
I missed reading this last week. I am sending you my prayers for a peaceful day today, as not sure how your last week of waiting went. You honor your mother so much through your poem and Alzheimer’s research fundraising. Thanks for sharing.