top of page

"A beautiful soul is one that possesses the strength of a lion and the gentleness of a lamb . . . a kind, giving heart and support you can trust will always be there . . .

even when their world may be in turmoil."

— MPG

About Melissa

Thoughts

MY FRIEND

She was my friend. 

Confusion consumed her, but her kind heart ruled. 

She accomplished the impossible and taught me to sew. 

She shared stories of making costumes and dresses for her girls. 

All the while smiling and remembering her youth. 

She loved her family and helped me to see why. 

Her kids and her grandchildren the apples of her eye. 

Her devoted husband her rock and lifeline, always there by her side. 

She showed me the gift of love and trust, and that gift I cherish every day. 

We laughed and danced at Memory Café, took walks outside and watched the leaves fall.

She taught me a different way to look at the world, and though the mind may be failing the person still loves. 

She would look at me with fear in her eyes, "I can't do this anymore . . . I want to go home".

I would comfort her and show her the way. 

She loved cardinals and wanted to "come back as a bird". 

She was called to go home, to be free and to fly. 

Taken under the wing of my dad William, she is afraid no more. 

She lives in my heart with all whom I have loved and lost. 

Her name was Beverly and she was my friend

— Melissa Gallagher

ALZHEIMER'S PRAYER 

Please grant my visitor's tolerance 

For my confusion, forgiveness 

For my irrationality, and the strength 

To walk with me into the mist of memory,

My world has become. 

Please help them take my hand 

And stay awhile, 

Even though I seem unaware of their presence.

Help them to know how their strength 

And loving care will drift slowly 

Into the days to come just when I need it most.

Let them know when I don't recognize them

That I will, I will . . . keep their hearts 

Free of sorrow for me, for my sorrow, 

When it comes, only lasts a moment, 

Then it's gone. 

And finally, Lord, please let them know, 

How very much their visits mean, 

How even through this relentless mystery, 

I can still feel their love. 

— Author Unknown

bottom of page