FLOWERS FOR DORIS

Alzheimer’s is a disease that steals the memory and with it one’s dignity and grace

Loved ones stand by helplessly as it drains the vitality from its victim’s face.

Melvyn has Alzheimer’s...Doris doesn’t...so she spends much time reminiscing

While lost in thought one day, her Melvyn turned up missing. 

Doris quickly called the police, (it’s not uncommon for Alzheimer’s patients to roam.)

When the police finally caught up to him he was 2 miles from his home.

They stopped to help and talk to Melvyn who kept walking, never slowing

He didn’t remember where he came from but he knew where he was going.

It was a special time in Melvyn’s mind this particular Saturday morning in May

Because, and here his information was correct, tomorrow was Mother’s Day.

He was resolute.  He was going to buy Doris flowers, to the police he made this clear.

You see, he always gave Doris flowers...every Mother’s Day...every year.

The police radioed they were taking Melvyn home, told Doris not to worry any more

But on the way they made a stop at the local grocery store.

They escorted Melvyn in, he picked his flowers and when he didn’t have enough money to pay

One of the officers made up the difference, and Melvyn was on his way.

When they got him home, with Doris at the door, Melvyn walked up with dignity and grace

Clutching the flowers in his hands and with a huge smile on his face.

Doris was ecstatic, she smiled as she suddenly became aware

That somewhere under that cloud of Alzheimer’s, her Melvyn was still there.

It’s true Alzheimer’s takes no prisoners so little victories are cause for jubilation

And the officers, who helped him find his way home, shared in their elation.

Yes, Melvyn was determined Doris’s flowers would arrive by Mother’s Day

Proving even when the mind’s been stolen...the heart will find a way.