In our busy changing world
We do not always talk
As much as we should
There are subjects we often avoid
If we can

When Tilda died
No one knew what to say to us
No one could find the words
Because it is not something
That we are prepared for

Death, grief, loss
Mental health
Big emotions
Long term illness
These are all things
People find tough to talk about

When the words cannot be found
To talk to my children
Or indeed, grown up family and friends
When my words are not enough
I turn to the pages of a picture book
And it is one of my greatest wishes in life
That we as a society learn to be more open
Accepting, honest and able to talk
But until that time
I want to shine a light on literature
That helps

Books and stories help us
To say things without speaking
To share things and learn together
To help people understand how we are feeling
How they are feeling
Books help us understand one another
And help us to navigate change
And face our fears
Overcome challenges
And deal with difficult situations

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day
And I want to share with you
A tenderly told tale
Of a deep love
Between a young boy and his grandma
This book has moved me deeply
A story of love
Told with gentle humour
And understanding
To help young children
And older readers too
Understand dementia

I Remember
Introduces us to Kathleen
And George
Kathleen does not remember George
When he comes to call
He was here just yesterday
But she does not recall
George responds to Kathleen
With love and kindness
With patience and tenderness
And a maturity beyond his years
His adoration for his grandma is clear
In every word and every picture
On every poignant and powerful page

George reminds Kathleen
Not only of their day yesterday
But what seems to be
A regular routine they share
A cuddle
A biscuit
A play in the garden

Through their routine
We see how dementia
Is affecting Kathleen

She cannot remember names or faces
She does not remember the things they do
She finds things difficult like buttons
And keeping the cupboards stocked
She can be in the moment
And then out again
Very fast

We see grandma scared and confused
We see her comforted and amused
We see that while she may not
Remember yesterday
She can remember things
From much longer ago
And while her mind may not remember
Her grandson
Her heart remembers him
Her heart never forgets

This book places the reader
So close to the story
Hearing every gentle word
George and Kathleen share
Seeing the expressions on their faces
The tender touches between them
The love and friendship
The empathy and understanding
This book made me feel so sad
But also gave me a sense of hope
That no matter what
The beautiful bond between
A boy and his grandma
Could not be broken

I Remember
Written by Jeanne Willis
Illustrated by Raquel Catalina
And published by Nosy Crow
Is a brilliant and beautiful book
To help little ones understand dementia
And a celebration
Of the love between grandparent and child

And a reminder for all of us that
The most important things are never forgotten