Hayley wrote this beautiful poem for her Grandma, whose memory has been deteriorating during the time that Hayley and her family have been unable to visit, due to the pandemic. Hayley says "I haven’t been able to see her for 12 months due to Covid and I can’t wait to see her. The photo is of my daughter and my grandma from one of the last times we saw her."
Hayley's daughter and Grandma
For Grandma, by Hayley Walker
I hear you laugh or smell your soap and remember a childhood filled with you.
My grandma, my mentor, my very best friend; you are my hero too.
The games which we played for hours on end, you always had patience and time.
The mess, the noise, the tears and fights, you remained my partner in crime.
Each day we grew, you were always there.
Wiping tears, giving cuddles, walking miles;
Cheating at Yahtzee and teaching to bake, all with those warm grandma smiles.
But now when I look at you, all I can see, is the grandma I once knew.
I sometimes see glimmers of who you once were and deep down I know it's still you.
I've laughed, I've cried, I've got angry at you, when you don't remember my name.
I have to remind myself regularly, that you're not the one who's to blame.
I feel like I'm grieving the death of my friend, although you're still here to see.
Your innocent return to a childlike state, not recognising your children or me.
It's my turn now to comfort you, when you're lonely, confused or scared.
You may still be here but you're fading away and for that I was never prepared.
So for now, old girl, I have to accept that it's you with an illness I loathe.
And should you forget me, this promise I'll make, I'll have enough love for us both.
