Left Behind; Love Poems for the Rest of Us is a collection of poems that the author has written from personal experience for spouses of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia. The book presents an emotional yet tender view of what it is like when a husband or wife is left behind by someone whose mind no longer functions as it once did and who cannot continue to participate in loving and meaningful relationship now lives in a separate world. The book includes poems about what once was, what is now, and the hope of wholeness an reunion in the life to come.
The book is intended to help spouses in coping with a wide range of emotions that come with this new and unfamiliar life – grief, loss, despair, loneliness, depression, and hope. It may help people in this new situation to understand that their emotions are natural and also to explain to friends and relatives how they are feeling.
The intended audience consists of spouses, their friends and relatives, support groups, as well as hospice workers, memory care staff, and other caregivers.
My Thoughts
Only someone slowly losing a spouse to Alzheimer’s can recognize the aching beauty of these poems, written by a man who cared for his wife as long as he could. Now he visits her every day, “left to piece together a new normal amid the echoes of what was,” expressed by Jeff Rigler, who wrote the heart-felt foreword to Left Behind.
The book is for those who are living through these unwanted days, but also for the rest of us, to give us an inkling understanding. Those are lovebirds on the cover and there are blank pages at the end to jot notes and memories, even write a letter to your loved one.
Greg Seeley
Greg Seeley was raised on a farm north of Afton, Iowa. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa (about four years after I graduated from there) with a major in history and received his Master’s Degree from the University of Iowa. Greg is a retired CPA and lives in Overland Park, Kansas with his wife Carolyn, a retired math teacher.
Greg also wrote Tractor Bones and Rusted Trucks: Tales and Recollections of a Heartland Baby Boomer, which is a collection of poetry and short stories. He also written three Civil War stories. And my favorite, Horse Lawyer and Other Poems.
That sounds like a sobering look into a reality none of us would want or choose. God bless him and his journey.
Thank you, Craig. So many are going through this.
Oh my, Joy…another book I need to add to my library. Thank you so very much. 💝💝💝
And pray that you never have to go through it! Thank you, Vicki.
Much love to you, Joy. ❤️
The poems in “Left Behind” will likely evoke emotions readers may not have come to grips with yet. It would be a cathartic read for them. Good luck to Greg and his mission to help others. 🙂
Thank you, Nancy. He’s been reading to folks where his wife is living, as well as helping her.
What a kind, thoughtful project to undertake.
It sure is. Thank you, Eilene.
Thanks for sharing Joy… to be honest I think dementia in its various forms is everyone’s worst nightmare. This collection must have been very difficult to write but a tribute to the strength of love. ♥
You are so right, Sally.
You’re welcome, Joy. God bless Greg for his compassion. 🙏
It must have taken a great deal of courage (and tears) for Greg to write this book.
Writing is the way he processes it, which could also help others going through something similar.
That makes sense.
That’s sad, Joy. My brother’s wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She didn’t leave him until she died.
So difficult.
Oh it sounds like such an important book as so many are going through it. Thanks for sharing and the courage of Greg’s poetry which is moving❣️
Thank you, Cindy. I’m thankful that writing helps him process this unwanted journey.
This touches my heart. I just came from visiting my sis who is caring for her long-time husband, now deep into Alzheimer’s, committed to keeping him home as long as possible. The love and respect I feel for her can’t be put into words.
Oh Jacqui, thank you for your comment. We know others who love a spouse or a parent with this unwanted disease.