Hi everyone, I'm posting this on behalf of Althea-C who, it turns out, has a very special way with words. She asked me to help her post this to the group, which I'm more than happy to do. I think she's managed to capture and express so much of what we all feel and go through. I'm so glad she agreed to let me post this for all of you to share.
When will I burn my lilac house gown.
Shall we go out on this beautiful day.
Reply is the same,
I'd rather stay.
I'm almost relived that I don't have to dress,
I can wear my lilac gown again, less stress.
You have warmed my body as I've prayed at night.
Begging God for some respite.
I look at the stains on your fleece tonight,
You need a wash...
maybe not.
I need more time in my lilac gown.
Our nest undisturbed
that we planned with hope,seems so close but still too far,
now it seems we're not on par,
to swim in the pool and watch the sunrise,
only perhaps to see through my eyes.
Writing is cathartic this I've known,
but somehow this time ...I'm on my own,
as I sit wrapped in the arms of my lilac gown.
The words you spoke were so few today,
but the twinkle in your eye is here to stay.
When your purse your lips for a kiss
I pray,
the love we share is stronger than this.
and while you sleep
I sit beside you in my lilac gown.
I am loosing you slowly and you are aware,
of all you did that you
now don't dare.
My dare devil husband who achieved so much,
body and mind you were a plus.
It was years of fun all up and down,
with no regrets we'd do it over in time,
and now I sit in my lilac gown.
Our beloved children with so much ahead, and thoughts of grandkids in the feather bed.
My heart is broken as we share,
a mountain of memories from your chair.
The good the bad and in between.
You made it clear I was your queen,
even now as I sit in my lilac gown unseen.
But it isn't all gloom in our chaotic room
The pulling and pushing to get you in bed,
we still manage to laugh as you fall on your head.
The "Razzle Dazzle" still going ahead,
as I lean on the edge of your bed.
in my lilac gown.
As I sit and smoke for some light relief,
forgive me God in my unbelief.
I am playing with my own health's game,
but does it matter
my life will never be the same.
What's to gain as I sit in my lilac gown.
Can't wait for friends to leave. I'm putting on a face,
so I can go back to my slow, slow pace.
I have no energy
It's all too much,
and sometimes I wonder if going together might be the right touch.
But who will burn my lilac gown.
I haven't written for a few weeks,
But it feels like years as I've watched you fade,
into another so called stage.
I'm in a time warp,
It's hard to explain the only reality is when you call my name.
As I wait in my lilac gown.
I've joined a support group.. all in the same boat.
We are helping each other to stay afloat.
Some of us on this earth,
Perhaps born to show our worth.
If not us, then who,
would God allow to see our loved ones in slow torment.
Can we call this heaven sent.
as in my lilac gown I sit.
Sickness is in the world.
God didn't bring it on,
He only said be strong.
I am with you all along.
PSP is a thief he takes body and mind but never spirit,
This belongs to God with all his love in it.
The love I feel is stronger today than yesterday,
and I thank God as I pray.
In my lilac gown.
These past few weeks have been hell on earth,
I am beginning to feel
what's it all worth.
I watch you fade in this torment.
God take his mind I pray,
I can't see this through another day.
It could be days it could be years
I haven't the strength or the tears.
How I hate my lilac gown.
Another few weeks have past...
the PSP is moving fast.
We listen to music most of the time
your interest in life is going down.
I've compiled a record of how it's gone, It's helped me understand ..you've had this so long.
Your understanding that things weren't right.
How you so bravely
fought the fight.
As I sit in my lilac gown at night.
As you lie in bed and I look at your face ...
so few wrinkles buy Gods grace.
Except a small frown that was always there.
The lines round your eyes crinkle a lot
You've not lost your charm and I think you're still hot.
Your body is dead weight, ridged and small.
If it wasn't for Voyo we'd not manage at all.
We laugh a lot to keep things light
But I won't keep these memories
especially the nights.
As I sit beside you in my lilac gown.
God please take him
I beg of you.
He gave you his life
in belief and good works.
Please Lord there must be some perks.
Then I pray ...
the other way...
God give him long life to be with me listening to music,and holding hands.
What are plans ???
As I sit in my lilac gown
Dr came today,
I've got more hope than yesterday.
More ideas to help you live a comfortable life,
with less strife.
Friends and family pop in ...that's when you give a grin.
You are always so pleasant, that's who you are,
My love, my Barry,
my Star.
To love and to care while we can
Is such a gift from the great ..... I Am.
So tomorrow will bring another day,
and I know lord, you'll have your way.
Kind words and heart felt sympathies 
Dad is at home with the Lord.
