Slowly the world sees a shell. The only reminder of who they were is their outward appearance and with time, even that, begins to change. Seemingly all is forgotten because their once possessed identity is vacant in mind and tongue becoming unrecognizable. A unique grieving begins.

It's our job to protect and care for them. To make sure that who the world sees isn't an empty shell, but the person. No matter the profession or trade, footsteps traveled, world they have witnessed...slowly this disappears.

We become their voice. Not in place of, but on behalf of. What a vulnerable, uncontrollable trust to be given. Protect dignity, protect their values, even if they may be apart from our own, unique wishes and desires, and their rights. It's our obligation.