I used to know the map of my own mind.
Every street had a name.
Every door opened.
Now the rooms move.
I walk into the morning
and it forgets me.
Faces arrive like visitors
who expect to be known.
They bring smiles,
warm voices,
and stories that sound like mine.
I search for the key
that used to fit their names.
Sometimes a memory glows
for a moment.
A small candle in fog.
A child’s laugh.
The smell of rain.
A hand I once held forever.
Then the wind comes.
People say my name
as if calling someone home
across a wide field.
I want to answer.
But the path is fading.
The signs are gone.
The map is dissolving in my hands.
Inside me
a quiet person still listens,
still feels the warmth of love
even when the words fall away.
If you look into my eyes
and stay a little longer
you might see them.
The one I used to be
standing gently in the mist,
trying to remember
how to return.
JH
Julan62 
Mel
May 29, 2026 at 8:33 am
As people age, some may face the challenges of dementia, a condition that can affect memory, thinking, and daily life. For those living with it, the world can sometimes feel confusing or unfamiliar. This is why kindness matters so deeply. A gentle word, a patient smile, or simply taking the time to listen can help them feel safe, valued, and respected. By showing empathy and understanding, we not only support their dignity but also remind them that they are still cherished members of our community. My Granda had this .
Julan62
May 29, 2026 at 8:51 am
My FIL had this as well… mixed actually. Passed away end of March, a horrible disease!