Descent into Alzheimer's Disease

Lost in the Alzheimer’s Ocean

The one who needs me flounders.
I reach out but cannot rescue her.
She’s in the sea without a life boat,
Unable to keep herself from drowning.
She’s forgotten how to swim.

I’m stretching and stretching as far as I can,
Fearing I may fall, too, and have no way out.
Do I throw myself in and die with her?
Or stand impotently on the bank
Watching it happen.

The riptides show no mercy
Taking hold, refusing to lighten their grip,
Pulling her further and deeper.
Her struggling subsides and she appears to submit,
Knowing resistance is futile.

Her form becomes a tiny speck nearing the horizon,
Disappearing from my range of vision.
My pitiful attempts at valor lie limply by my feet.
I am left alone to hope and pray that she somehow
Reached the other shore.

Matthew 8:24 - 27 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!