Our Annual Candle Lighting

Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not,
there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion.
                                                                                                                                                      ~ Dalai Lama

We gathered on November 2nd for our annual Candle Lighting to honor those  individuals who have been affected by Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

The ADC Staff, Board and caregivers shared inspirational and comforting readings and songs before heading out to the patio and lighting candles in a solemn ceremony.

We read the names of current and deceased members. 

Below you'll find poems and pictures from prior events. They have as much an impact then as they do today, and will be tomorrow.  To be a part of future events, or to be a part of the Adult Day Center in any way - volunteer, contributor, caregiver - please call the center at (908) 725-0068 or click here to write us.
​

I Will

​I will
When you forget I will remember for us both
When you get lost I will find you
When you are sad I will be sad with you
When the fear comes I will comfort you
When you cry I will dry your tears
When you lash out at me I will not be angry
When you repeat I will have patience
When you forget my name I will understand
When you can no longer eat I will feed you
When your legs fail I will carry you
When you long for home I will be your safe place
When your journey is ending  I will be by your side
I will love you for eternity
I Will...

Adversity

We all must face
At some point in our lives
An insurmountable force
Impossible to push aside.
Something
That challenges our strength
Our character
And our pride.
 
An experience of moral conflict
To test human will,
It ventures beyond comfort:
A new pain is instilled.
The most profound combination
Of emotion and thought;
Mind, body, and soul
Take one fatal shot.
 
The true human strength
Is questioned at this time;
Only those who are capable
Can make the treacherous climb.
Overcoming the odds
And establishing new life
What results from this triumph
Will trump all future strife.

Do Not Ask Me to Remember

Do not ask me to remember.
Don’t try to make me understand.
Let me rest and know you’re with me.
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I’m confused beyond your concept.
I am sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you.
To be with me at all cost.

Do not lose your patience with me.
Do not scold or curse or cry.
I can’t help the way I’m acting.
Can’t be different though I try.

Just remember that I need you.
That the best of me is gone.
Please don’t fail to stand beside me.
Love me ‘til my life is done.

-  Author unknown

The Alzheimer's Patient's Prayer

Pray for me I was once like you
Be kind and loving to me that's how I would have treated you.
Remember I was once someone's parent or spouse I had a life and a dream for the future.
Speak to me; I can hear you even if I don't understand what you are saying

Speak to me of things is my past of which I can relate.
Be considerate of me, my days are such a struggle.
Think of my feelings because I still have them and can feel pain.
Treat me with respect because I would have treated you that way.

Think of how I was before I got Alzheimer's; I was full of life,
I had a life, laughed and loved.
Think of how I am now, my disease distorts my thinking, my feelings my ability to respond, but I still love you even if I can't tell you.
Think about my future because I used too.

Remember I was full of hope for the future just like you are now.
Think how it would be to have things locked in your mind and can't let them out. I need you to understand and not blame me, but Alzheimer's.
I still need the compassion and the touching and most of all I still need you to love me.
Keep me in your prayers because I am between life and death.

The love you give will be a blessing from God and both of us will live forever.
How you live and what you do today will always be remembered in the heart of the Alzheimer's patient....

In Case I Forget

In case I forget to kiss you goodnight,
or hold your hand gently in mine
Just wrap me tightly inside your arms,
and remember the happier times.

In case I forget when glancing at you,
the one, who makes me complete,
Alzheimer's may have won with my mind,
But my heart it will never defeat

In case I forget the children we've raised,
or the hundreds of stories I've told,
Shed not a tear, "for blessed are we,
who forget one day we are old."

In case I forget to tell you how much
You're cherished and treasured each day.
My best friend beside me to brighten the path,
and carry me all of the way

I may greet you someday, with questioning eyes
As a stranger with whom I have just met,
Still, I love you my darling with all of my heart,
Remember ... in case I forget.

Prior Candle Lighting Events