You didn't know me,

and I only knew you,

when you were whole, Rosemarie.

Before the thief Alzheimers decided to choose you.


My mom told me this story,

about getting lost in the store.

She was sick with worry,

Until she saw your high perm in all its glory.


That hair eventually went away,

but was my anchor to you in the beginning.

I still saw you, though you were disappearing more everyday.

That's the first time we lost you, but it wasn't quite the ending.


You were still here, a beautiful rose.

Alzheimers exposes your true soul;

You were genuine; silly, and never morose.

A rose by the name of Rose, the thorns removed and replaced with bows.


Alzheimers, heart attack, and even breast cancer,

all tried to take you, and you had no clue.

Why you thrived, we...