ANOTHER PENNY

"Jim", eighty-four years old, suffered from end stage cardiac disease. His doctor referred him to hospice as he had been declining recently. Jim was widowed twelve years ago, the same time that his son died from leukemia. Jim's remaining son, "Ron" lived nearby and was very devoted to his father. The family hired full time attendant care through Jim's long term care insurance to assist Jim with his daily needs. Even though there was help in the home, Ron visited daily.

Ron's wife, "Janet" worried about Ron as she felt that he had never dealt with his mother's or brother's death. Janet said that Ron never cried or grieved over these losses. I spoke about grief and individual strategies for processing cumulative loss. Ron then started to talk about his deceased family members. One could see the pain in his eyes.

Earlier, I had found a copper penny on the driveway as I was walking up to their front door. I picked it up and had a sense that there was a purpose for my find. Some believe, as do I, that finding a copper penny is a message from a departed loved one letting you know that they are okay. I have experienced and witnessed many moments validating this phenomenon.

I put the penny in my pocket and had forgotten about it as I was focused on educating Jim and his family about hospice services that were available. I also wanted to assess how the family was coping and what supports they had.

I remembered the penny in my pocket once Ron started to talk about his mother and brother. I spoke about the meaning of finding a copper penny and shared that I had found one in front of their home on my way to their front door. I pulled it out of my pocket and told Ron that it was from his mother and brother. I had a strong feeling of love, calmness and joy while handing him the penny. Ron teared up, hugged and thanked me for giving him such a priceless gift.


ANOTHER PENNY

I found another penny
on my way into their home.
I knew there was a purpose,
but what, I did not know.

His father's rapid decline
triggered memories of long ago.
Painful wounds resurfaced.
Old feelings suddenly fresh.

He spoke about his grief.
How keeping busy avoids the pain.
He misses his mother and brother.
He thinks of them every day.

I handed him the penny
that I found outside his home.
I knew it was from his family
as I felt tranquility, love and joy.

Was it just my imagination?
Was it a message from above?
Somehow it really doesn't matter
as we both know it to be true.