A few Saturday's ago, I, along with a large congregation of people, witnessed the nuptial vows of two of our parishioners, Gordon Wilson and Connie Cody.  It was a beautiful Mass that included a homily that focused, or course, on their future as husband and wife under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and their families and friends.  At the end of the homily, I quoted part of a poem from an unknown author that was submitted to a magazine by the former athletic director of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. He felt it spoke to him about the situations of his wife of many years who was afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.  I received a number of requests for this poem, so here it is.  It obviously fits in a number of circumstances of life.

Don't ask me to remember,
Don't try to make me understand
Let me rest and know you're with me,
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I'm confused beyond your concept,
I am sad and sick and lost
All I know is that I need you,
To be with me at all cost.

Do not lose your patience with me,
Do not scold, or curse or cry.
I can't help the way I am acting,
Can't be different though I try.

Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone.
Please don't fail to stand beside me,
Love me 'til my life is done.


From Frank Broyles
Article in AY Magazine
December, 2005
Author Unknown