KINDRED SPIRITS

  

I did two back-to-back admissions today.   What amazed me was how each patient had so many similar life experiences.  They chose a similar profession and suffered from the same illness.  Even with all the coincidences, the best part was that both were also receiving unconditional love from their families.  Nothing is better than that. 

KINDRED SPIRITS 

 

 

He turned ninety-two yesterday. 

The celebration was low key and quiet 

as eight years ago, they heard Alzheimer’s. 

Now, he has been in a recent two-week decline. 

 

He had been living in a care facility, 

but two months ago, because of his downturn, 

the family moved him to their home. 

They felt comfortable caring for him. 

 

He was an Aeronautical Engineer by trade. 

“He was so smart.  He was a genius”. 

Now he has no appetite and is so weak. 

He is non-verbal and “Sleeping so much”. 

 

My next admission amazed me by coincidence. 

Today is his eighty-third birthday. 

His celebration, too, was low key 

as he has had Alzheimer’s, as well, for nine years. 

 

He had been living in the same care facility. 

One year ago, his wife, too, moved him from there. 

He also was an engineer; doing Water Resource. 

She similarly stated, “He was so intellectual. 

                         He has lost his brilliance”. 

 

He, too, has had a recent decline. 

He is eating very little as swallowing is a challenge. 

He is weak and, also, is sleeping most of the time. 

                        She knows his time is short. 

 

The similarities were amazing. 

It was like I heard the same story twice 

as their life history was so much alike. 

They didn’t know each other, but I am so sure; 

                          They are kindred spirits. 

 

 

 

 

MEANT TO BE

Twelve years ago today, my appendix ruptured.  Eighteen months prior, I had right sided pain.   They did all the tests and scans which showed a normal appendix.   A GI doctor diagnosed me with chronic stomach pain.    For those eighteen months, I was nauseous. I had no sense of taste or smell.  I lost twenty pounds as I just ate to survive.  I had no appetite. 

 

My right sided pain increased.   I lived with it for two days before heading back to the Emergency Room for help.  They did not do any lab work and sent me home with pain medication.  Three days later, I called my doctor and he said, “Call 911.  You need to go to the Emergency Room.” 

 

I spent nineteen days in the hospital.  But to me, it was all worth it.  I feel so honored to be able to offer support that many others may not be able to offer because of my experience.  Thank you to those from above. 

MEANT TO BE 

 

 

It was 12 years ago today, while in the ER, 

that I was honored from above 

to have an out-of-body experience 

that lasted no more than one full minute. 

 

My appendix had ruptured a few days prior. 

I remember that ER doctor then, asking himself, 

“Should I run a blood test?” 

He chose not to and gave me pain medication. 

 

They would have done surgery that day if he had, 

but then I may not have had that divine experience. 

One may say that he made a mistake, 

but to me, it was meant to be. 

 

I am spiritually guided by my Social Work practice. 

I trust my instinct; I listen to those above. 

When I share, I often hear supportive statements like; 

“I feel so much better”. “You have given me peace.” 

                    "Thank you so much for telling me”. 

 

My journey was painful, long and a challenge; 

but I am so appreciative that it happened to me. 

It has allowed me to impact so many people 

that are deeply touched when they hear it. 

 

It truly was 

                    meant to be.