FULL OF LIFE

Sixty-two year old "Annie" suffered from terminal lung cancer. Sadly, Annie was on hospice for less than a week. When I first went out to meet with Annie, she was sitting up in a chair in the living room. Her sister-in-law had moved in to help with her twenty-four hour care needs. Annie had recently declined to where she could no longer live alone. Her doctor referred her to hospice due to the decline.

When I walked into her living room, she welcomed me by saying, "Hello Baby". I then extended my hand expecting a handshake. Annie opened up her arms and said, "I do hugs." One could not help but notice her big smile. She was so engaging and loved everyone. After meeting her, it wasn't long before I could understand why everyone loved her too.

Annie was from a large, extended family who were all involved in each other's lives in such a positive, loving way. Humor was a big part of Annie and her family's lives. As part of my interview, I asked her if she would like to have a weekly visit with a hospice volunteer. She immediately answered, "Yes!" She then added that her brother told her, "Never turn down anything but your collar."

Annie had no fears about dying, but said she wasn't ready yet. She had a few more things to do financially. She stated that she knew she was in God's hands and is going to Heaven. She was firm about this belief which helped her cope.

When I left her home, I planned on returning the following week with financial paperwork I was helping her with. Four days after meeting her, I heard about her sudden death. I was shocked to hear it, but truly believe she is at peace and happy and still saying, "Hello Baby" and giving her big hugs.





FULL OF LIFE


I do get surprised now and then.
I sure didn't see this coming.
I just left her a few days ago
sitting there talking, so full of life.

She was so engaging.
Greetings were hugs not handshakes.
She called everyone "Baby"
and it was okay.

She was from a large family.
She loved them and they loved her.
Death did not scare her.
She knew she was safe in God's hands.

She was so full of life; of living.
I was surprised to hear of her sudden death.
It was peaceful as she died in her sleep.
For her, a perfect way to go.

I hardly got to know her,
but I'll miss her all the same.
I thought there would be time for one more hug;
another, "Hello Baby."