Dementia blessings – My wise woman

Today is the first anniversary of Mum’s birth since she passed away in January. Happy Birthday, Mum – this one’s for you!

Mum was always my ‘wise woman’ – the one who listened deeply and responded with compassion and non-judgment. So when I could no longer go to her for advice, I felt cast adrift. But the absence of words revealed her deeper wisdom – the way in which she lived: with serenity, love and gratitude. Observing Mum’s ‘essence’ – that which shone more brightly as her mental faculties faded – I felt challenged to take stock of my own life. That too was her gift.

My wise woman

Dementia stole
my wise woman’s words
leaving me bereft.
But in their place
was left a gift –
her way of being
in the world.

Watching her sit
in a state of grace
blessing us with smiles,
her open heart
and tender touch
spoke wisdom deep
into my soul.

– Dementia blessings 6