You have forgotten
who I am, but
you can clap your hands
and giggle
when I kiss you.

We must bathe
and dress you now
like that large fragile
doll you once bought me
for Christmas.

It happened slowly,
so we used to see glimpses
of the proud lady, you
once were. Now we
can only treat you
with dignity

And for now
I can still hold you
in my arms and tenderly
sing to you, the songs
you once taught me.

Until someday
you forget
to breathe.

Cheryl Lynn Moyer Peele

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/memories-of-mom-2/