FRITO LAYS

Eighty year old "Alice" was on hospice for only two days. Three months prior, a week after her husband of fifty-seven years died, the doctors found a mass on her lung. Her doctor suspected lung cancer, but Alice declined all treatment. Alice's disease took a downward turn quite quickly.

Alice had two daughters, who were devoted to her and each other. Both daughters lived close by. Her one daughter, "Betty" lived just down the block while, "Angie" lived five minutes away.

When I went out to do my initial visit, it was obvious that Alice was close to death. She was unresponsive and in a coma. Her breathing was erratic and labored. I informed Betty and Angie about the end-of-life process and the likelihood that their mother could die any moment. Both daughters understood and were thankful as they didn't want their mother to suffer.

I told Betty and Angie that, quite often, patients will show their loved ones, in a way that they will understand, that they are okay. I then shared several stories of this phenomenon that I had previously heard from other families I had worked with in the past.

Alice died shortly after I left the home. It was when I called Betty to offer my condolences, that she shared the story about the Frito Lays. She said that it gave her and her sister peace knowing that mom is doing okay.


FRITO LAYS


She was dying when I met her.
One knew it wouldn't be long.
Her two daughters were at the bedside
holding her hand; loving her so.

I told them she will always be a mom.
That she'll forever take care of both of you.
She'll stay until she knows you're okay,
then leave at the perfect time for her.

She'll show you that she is doing well
in a way that you will understand.
It might be a dream or a voice in the wind.
She'll know how to tell you
she crossed over fine.

Frito Lays was mom's favorite chip.
There was always a bag in the house.
So they weren't surprised she used the chip
to let them know she was doing fine.

The hospice nurse came out when she died.
She had trouble with the telephone.
She kept dialing the coroner's office
but connecting to Frito Lays.

Her daughters were not surprised at all.
They knew that it was a message from above.
It gave them peace that mom let them know
in the most obvious way;
using her favorite chip;

Frito Lays.