Wonder: A poem for Audrey’s Gran
- Written by: Audrey Donaghey — Nursing Student at UWS
- Published: 18th February 2021
Audrey Donaghey, nursing student at the University of the West of Scotland, shares her poem to the Carer Voices team.
This poem was inspired by my amazing Gran, who is living in a care home and has Alzheimers disease. She hasn’t had any physical contact with family for almost a year now, and I imagined this poem from what I think that must feel like for her. I am fortunate to be able to speak with her on the telephone and she tells me about these strangers coming to her window, but she doesn’t know who they are (it’s us). Her memory is not great, however we do sometimes get her back and she tells us she loves us. When I feel emotional about the current no visitation situation I turn it into a positive by writing short poems such as the one below, Wonder.
Wonder
I wonder who you are I see staring straight back at me
Looking outside the window and what is this I see
A stranger that I’m sure I know but how can this be?
Am I in a dream, I think I’m feeling scared
They’re waving and chanting words, I’m sure I once heard
Beautiful paintings arriving, words on letters with love,
From who I do not know though names I’m sure I’ve heard
That noise
What is that ringing? The stranger tells me “answer the call”,
What does this all mean to me, I’m lost and I stall
“Hello” I do answer once shown what to do,
“Hi mum, It’s me. I’m really missing you”
I wonder who you are saying these words to me,
Telling me all your stories, I’m sure it will come back to me.
I am so very lost in a world I just do not know,
With all these lovely people that tell me they love me so.
Another day is upon us, another window view,
The sun is shining so bright and ahh there is you.
Waving from a distance I wish it could be more,
For a touch and a whisper to tell you I love you more.
I may not always remember but always think of this,
Although times are hard just now, we will get through this.
I will hold your hand once more and tell you I love you so.
Always keep smiling, we won’t have long to go,
Before we are together again sitting side by side
Sharing all your stories of what is happening outside.
I wonder who you are I see staring straight back at me.
End of page.
You may also like:
What does The Scottish Report tell us about how we're supporting people with inflammatory mediated autoimmune conditions (IMIDs)?
Continue readingAvril McLean from Action from ME shares new resources designed to support professionals understand the impact of ME on people's lives.
Continue readingMandy Wright from Home Energy Scotland shares how partnerships positively impact their work.
Continue readingToo many young people are falling through the mental health support gap. How do we fix the "Missing Middle"?
Continue readingJoe McCready from Carers UK shares how important their annual survey is, and why it is invaluable for unpaid carers to have their say.
Continue readingColette reflects on the last 12 years of the Community Links Worker programme, as well as her own experience of being a CLW.
Continue readingWith the current World Cup, gambling presents an even higher risk. How can we prevent young people from getting tangled in this web?
Continue readingDr Anthony McMahon reflects on the importance of the Community Links Worker within his GP surgery - and why it makes all the difference.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, the Integration Team highlight the importance of our Connected Communities series.
Continue readingTo mark ‘What matters to you?’ Day, The ALLIANCE's Barbara Flynn considers the impact of Tommy Whitelaw’s talks for nurses and midwives.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Humans of Scotland project works to challenge stigma.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on post election feelings and Scotland’s future.
Continue readingALLIANCE Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, reflects on our Annual Conference 2026 and how we're turning hope into action.
Continue readingALLIANCE member, Catherine, shares the importance of initiatives like 'What Matters To You?' Day in promoting person centred care.
Continue readingLearn about how the ALLIANCE has championed joined-up, person centred care.
Continue readingDementia Action Week highlighted some great resources and support for people living with dementia and their family, friends, and carers.
Continue readingSteven Mair gives us an insight into his role as a gamer at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
Continue readingSince 2009, ALISS has helped people find local health and wellbeing support. Any group, big or small, can add their information.
Continue readingThe new Scottish Government must turn promises into action to improve hospice and palliative care
Continue readingTogether, we can create lasting change for everyone living with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Continue readingFind out more about these digital self management tools and how to get in touch to arrange an information session.
Continue readingOur Chief Officer Sara Redmond addresses recent commentary on the relationship between Government and the Third Sector.
Continue readingCornell explores how we can build an environmental human rights-based culture
Continue readingLouise Coupland, Digital Health and Social Care Programme Manager shares her opinions on the national roll out of MyCare.scot.
Continue readingChris Mackie, Director of Digital, looks back at how ALISS has developed, grown, and innovated over time.
Continue reading