Dementia Support Line
'The Red Robin': Georgina's poem dedicated to her Grandad
Georgina, 21, has written a poem inspired by her Grandad Brian, who sadly died of dementia. It's about his favourite bird, a robin. Whenever she sees one now she smiles and thinks of him.
My Grandad, Brian, was diagnosed with dementia while I was in secondary school. Unless you’ve been affected by dementia in some way, it’s hard to explain the real heartbreaking impact that it has on the people you love.
To see someone get upset or frustrated because they can’t do what they used to, to see their memory deteriorate and to not remember some or all of their life, it can't be put into words.
Grandad always put others first
I would go round my grandparents’ house a few times a week and my grandad would always give me the brightest smile and ask how I was. On the darkest of days, his smile truly lit up the room.
Georgina's Grandad Brian.
He would always reply back when asked how he was with, ‘Not too bad, not too bad,’ even when I could see he was unwell. This reflects how selfless he really was, forever asking how others were doing, forever putting others first.
This poem is dedicated to a loving husband, father and grandad, who loved watching the little red robin in his chair.
The same robin appears at the house to this day. It’s a reminder to always treasure the moments we have with the people we love the most.
Brian's favourite bird, the robin redbreast, on his bird table.
Grandad, our lives are incomplete, the sun doesn’t shine as bright. You will forever be my role model and will always remain the brightest star in the sky.
Together we will find a cure, together we will beat dementia
The Red Robin
by Georgina Stray
You sit in your patterned armchair every day,
Not knowing what to do or knowing what to say.
You find it hard to remember what you have just done,
But sit and listen carefully to the birds which have sung.
You sit so peacefully, trying to remember,
All of the memories that we have shared together,
But you struggle, due to this horrible disease,
So instead you decide to watch the birds in the trees.
There sits a red belly robin, on a nearby branch,
‘Robins are my favourite’ you smile and glance.
The little things that remind us you’re still here,
Even though the memories may not be near.
So every morning we would sit watching the birds
Waiting for your favourite robin to appear,
Even if you may forget, even when your mind isn’t clear.
Just to see you smile at the robin again,
I could sit and watch this for hours, my friend.
Now I sit and I watch on my own,
Hoping that the robin isn’t far from home.
And when I see that robin, a tear is in my eye,
Knowing you are there, that you are nearby.
Although you couldn’t always remember
I miss you and your smile,
And these are memories I will treasure forever.
Dementia, we won’t let you win,
You can take memories, but we will never let you in.
You take the people we love from us,
Take their memories, their love, their trust.
But we will continue to build on every day,
Making new memories even if they may fade away.
You won’t take his smile, you can’t take the robin away.
If you have a question about dementia or need some support, call our helpline to speak with our expert advisers, or join Dementia Talking Point to chat with other people in your situation.
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Alison
saysLoved it - well done you !
I think of my Dad as a robin too and it’s comforting to see a little robin turn up when you are out and about 😘
Jo jo
saysWhat a beautiful poem , he would be very proud of you and I'm sure he's smiling at all the work you're doing and thinking how special you are. Lovely xx
Theresa
saysLovely poem Georgina.
As long as there is a robin visiting your Grandpa is still very much here with you, always.
Lindsey Futter
saysThat’s beautiful Georgina and so insightful from someone so young. Your Grandad was my Dad’s best friend and a huge role model for me when I was growing up. I will never forget hearing him come to the back door and asking me “are you alright gal”! I know how much my Dad misses him.
I do some work now in Alzheimer’s research and when I’m having a bad day, the picture of your robin in my mind will give me the oooomph I need to keep going. Xx
Liz Brown
saysGeorgina, that was absolutely beautiful, very moving , and brought a tear to my eye. I have two Robins visit my garden most days and always look upon them as loved ones who are no longer with us. Your grandad has a beautiful smile, and I truly think he is looking down at you and all your family , with a smile and such pride in his heart. God bless XX
Jo Houghton
saysGeorgina what a lovely tribute to a special man missed by many, my dear Uncle Brian. Brought a tear to my eye xxx
Siegfried Frank
saysHow true this poem; my beatiful wife suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease, she is aware of her very poor memory, and is starting to isolate herself. My glorious wife and mother, I would give anything to have my girl back!
Graham
saysThank you Georgina. That has helped a lot in my own grieving. Well done.
Geraldine Chelmick
saysMy Mum had dementia for 5 years before she passed away, locked in her own world of thoughts and memories . I started seeing a robin in our garden every day, after she died. Dad died 9 weeks to the day after Mum. My robin disappeared. I knew it was because Mum was reunited with Dad. My robin always comes back if I think I haven't seen him for a while and think perhaps my robin has died. If I'm having a bad day or feeling sad or thinking of Mum or need someone to talk to, my robin reappears. I shed a tear and realise that Mum will always be looking after me. Still miss you.
Emerald Diaz
saysOpportunity comes to those who quit Waiting and start Looking. Success comes to those who quit Thinking and start Doing. Congratulations on writing such good blog post
Wendy
saysThat is so lovely n sweet bless you xx
SnejanaDobreva Lycamobile
saysGeorgina you’ve written a beautiful poem we all love Robin redbreasts. I completely understand and relate to your story, my mum was killed by dementia in the summer so bless you writing this, your grandad is still there with you
Janice Louther
saysWhat a lovely poem.
The beautiful memories you have of your grandad will forever be etched in your mind.
Mrs White
saysMy poem. Who are you, l hear you say::l am your wife you married 1976.you promised to love and cherish for eternity. Who am I, l am me, who will never desert or abandon you. Alzheimers is a cruel desease that's robbed you of memory of family and me. Who am l the one who will love you for eternity.
Alison
saysThat is so lovely. It brought a tear to my eye . We think of my Dad as a Robin too ! In fact now instead of an angel on top of our Christmas tree we have a robin .
Well done for writing it !