We Are The People
By Susan Hattendorf

We are the people who live at this home.
Through these halls some thirty-six of us roam.
Too many to count are the reasons we're here
Mostly it's to be close to those we hold dear.
Residents we are but never forget
We have needs and desires that must be met.
Whether it's for a short time or till God calls
We want to live fully, to feel needed and all.
You might remember us from your childhood
Thinking we're worthless and no good.
Maybe we were, we've all made mistakes
But please let God be the judge and mark our slate.
Dementia or disease we didn't get to choose.
We awake with the fear of what next we'll lose.
Frustrations abound. Our fuses are short.
We feel we've lost control and need your support.
There are others of us who haven't a clue
As to whom we are and what we should do.
How do we know what you're telling us is true.
Words don't make sense and each situation is new.
We don't think we belong here and wonder why
Those we love left us at this place to die.
Cognitive or not our feelings are real.
Treat us with respect. It is a big deal.
But evenly more importantly let us give you
A piece of us, hopefully a memory will do.
Come into our home with an open mind.
Open your heart to the gifts you'll find.
Don't give us your pity, give us your ear.
We all have stories you'd love to hear.
God has put us here so there must be a reason
For you and I to live through this season.
Don't let this opportunity slip by and stay hid.
Come get to know us. You'll be glad you did.
Each life is precious, each day left is dear.
Come get to know the people who live here.