Stem van Gedachten

@stemvangedachten · 08 Oct 2025

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From 2009 to now: The heartbreaking story behind my song about Alzheimer's

The inevitable reality of Dementia: Why “NOT”
MORE “WITH ME” still hits.

“Goodbye to life.'— These three words summarize the
Bill of Lading. In 2009, I wrote this song, I transferred it in 2015, and in 2016 I became
it's part of a heartbreaking farewell to a loyal
Alzheimer's cafe visitor.

Many ask: “Angeliena, why this' old 'message
share again”

Unfortunately, the answer is as sad as it is necessary:
Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia remain a hard, daily
reality. As long as this bad disease is among us, the message of this song remains
topical. I'm still touched almost every month by personal reactions to
my writing.

One of those reactions that underlines the essence, the usability and
the impact of my work perfectly summarized the impact of my work is that of Piety Nijhoff. It is
a complete and powerful testimony that I would like to share with you in its entirety:

“Angeliena, Yesterday I was, and several others with me,
very moved at a farewell service by a loyal Alzheimer café visitor,
where your song sounded: “Now that you're no longer with me”. So striking, your words
after a last letter from his wife. Now it turned out again how good and effective you are
are poems about dementia; it's still there, but at the same time
unattainable, about loss and love. We are proud to have you among us
were allowed to visit Hardinxveld Giessendam's Alzheimer's Cafe. Your collection of poems
“Now that you're no longer with me” is very nice and useful for us
receiving. Definitely recommended for all those dealing with dementia
having. Thank you, piety Nijhoff”

This reaffirmed the power of the words: the song
is about that profound loss, about the loved one who is still physically there, but
mentally unreachable. Piety's recommendation that the bundle “definitely recommended
commands' is, underlines the lasting value for everyone who works with
dementia has to do with. It is too important to keep this quiet.

I invite you to listen and share, hoping
that it can be a source of support for everyone affected by this.

Listen and watch the song here:

NO MORE WITH ME: