Glen Campbell ~ I’ll Be Me
Recently I watched the I’ll Be Me documentary which chronicled Glen Campbell and his family’s last music tour during 2012 after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Having family members with the disease, it really hit home. I found myself so moved by the documentary which tastefully showed the progression of the disease. Tears fell from my eyes at times when I felt for him, for his wife, for his children because I understood and connected with their situation. It wasn’t easy, but I am grateful I was alone to watch and grateful for their/his courage in making the documentary. With memory-loss, there’s a bereft feeling left for those who love you ~ for it is our memories of the vitality, the energy and the YOU that we remember that is now slowly fading right in front of us. Sure, there are moments of clarity which we hang onto and then there are moments of confusion which frustrate you and us. I never knew so much about the disease until it hit our home. It rearranged dynamics and has been a test in patience. For the person we knew for a lifetime is still the same, but the relationship changes and they change as well. We stand by helplessly as the disease progresses. It’s a test of learning to go with the flow, to be fluid throughout the day, always keeping in mind how to help our loved ones stay peaceful. I think there’s a special place in Heaven for those who work in memory care. So in honor of all those affected by the disease and a huge hug for the caretakers who hope, understand and love those with memory problems, Glen’s video is below. His haunting words make me cry every time. But it’s a good cry, a tethered connection of understanding and a legacy to all those affected by this disease.
Shine On!
xo
Lyrics:
I’m still here, but yet I’m gone
I don’t play guitar or sing my songs
They never defined who I am
The man that loves you ’til the end
You’re the last person I will love
You’re the last face I will recall
And best of all, I’m not gonna miss you
Not gonna miss you
I’m never gonna hold you like I did
Or say I love you to the kids
You’re never gonna see it in my eyes
It’s not gonna hurt me when you cry
I’m never gonna know what you go through
All the things I say or do
All the hurt and all the pain
One thing selfishly remains
I’m not gonna miss you
I’m not gonna miss you
Songwriters RAYMOND, JULIAN / CAMPBELL, GLEN
Misifusa's Blog 
I’ve loved that voice and the words he masterfully strung together most of my life. I can’t see this without crying but I’ll always cherish what his music brought to a sad little girl’s life. I feel for him and his family and for you my friend…xo
Dear Rhonda, I found there were so many songs that I knew the words to and the movie was so artfully done that it touched my heart over and over. Thank you for your kind sweet friendship. xoxo
Much love yo you during this journey. Thank you for the phone call the other day. I know you understand my journey so well. Xoxoxoxoxo
Big hugs to you and to your family. You know I’m always here for you. Keeping you all in my prayers xoxoxoxoxo
Beautiful reflections Yvonne. Thank you. I had no idea about Glenn Campbell’s journey. xo
I didn’t either quite frankly until the special came on tv. The grace and courage were what resounded in me ~ that and the love of his family supporting him. ♥
Amen to Glenn’s lyrics and your take on it all.
-Alan
Thanks Alan…heart-wrenching lyrics with such honesty. Makes me cry everytime.
I saw him during his farewell tour ( I think I blogged about it). It was heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. His children are wonderful entertainers but so loving to him, redirecting him when he faltered.
Susan I am so happy you were able to see him. I think it took courage for all of them to do that tour and to support him while he sang. Just a sweet example of what we can accomplish when we connect with others. I definitely want to read your post about it! Thanks for telling me xo
https://mainelyhopeful.wordpress.com/2012/10/17/grit-and-grace
I just read your post on Glen Campbell. Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing xo
Such a moving article. We too had to deal with Alzheimer’s, it is a terrible, terrible disease. Thank you for what your wrote.
I think it’s hard for us all with that disease. Big hugs as always to you dear Patty xo
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