My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimers a few years ago. And it was one of the hardest things to go through. Just watching him slowly forget me was horrible. So I wrote the poem for my English class because we had to submit a piece of writing to any contest. And yeah, this is what I wrote.

-Cassie Marceau

Papa: By Cassie Marceau

Papa, I saw the expressionless look on your face.

There was nothing in your eyes.

That familiar sparkle was gone.

I wonder where it has gone to.

Papa, I miss the hugs you used to give me.

I miss the laughs we used to share.

I miss the four-wheeler rides.

I miss the gardening.

I miss Easter mornings where you would be more excited than me.

I miss Christmas Eve where you would pretend that you saw Santa outside.

I miss the jokes.

I miss you.

I’ve been telling myself it will be okay.

That you will be back to your old self.

In all honesty, Papa, I don’t think it will.

I miss the days spent on the porch,

with you teaching me how to play the harmonica.

I miss car rides down to the little store at the bottom of the hill,

just to get an Italian Sandwich.

I miss the dog you used to have, named Jake.

I miss the mountain.

I miss the quiet, peaceful nature that surrounded us.

I miss my Papa.

I saw you staring blankly in your room

You were lying down, like you were alone.

But Papa, you weren’t alone.

I was there,Nana was there, Im sure mom was there too.

I knew that you didn’t have much longer.

You were in a confused place,

you were there for so long.

I never thought you would leave.

I thought you had another year

Waiting up your sleeve.

I know you loved me,

And I still love you too.

So I’m trying to be strong

Just for you.

You may not know why, but Ill make you proud.

You always said you wanted to see me graduate.

Soon Papa. Ill be walking across the stage.

I know you will be there too.

It’s all you’ve ever wanted.

I won’t let you down.

I know you had to let go,

You were holding on for so long.