EIGHT PENNIES

"Eleanor", eighty years old, was only on hospice for a few short days. She suffered from cancer and had a sudden decline right before the doctor referred her to hospice. When I went out to do my initial visit, Eleanor was actively dying. Her son, "Tom", daughter-in-law "Samantha" and daughter "Pam" were all holding vigil.

Meeting with them for the first time, I knew that they would be okay as they had tremendous love for each other. They laughed as they shared many wonderful stories about their mother. It was clear how special their mother was to them and to so many others.

Knowing that Eleanor was dying, I spent most of my visit educating them about the end of life process and what symptoms to expect. I also counseled them on grief, loss and strategies for processing that grief. I added that their mother will show them in a way that they will understand that she is okay. I shared many stories about how finding a copper penny is a message from a loved one that they are okay.

Part of my job as a hospice social worker is to call families after a death has occurred. My initial call is right after the death. I then make another call about a month later to check in with families. I called Pam about a month after her mom died. The minute she answered the phone she said that she had wanted to speak with me. She then shared the story about the pennies found in the home. It gave her and her brother peace believing they were from mom and that she is okay.


EIGHT PENNIES

I told them stories about copper pennies.
How loved ones often leave them around.
For us to find; to say hello.
To let us know they're doing fine.

They loved the stories; it gave them hope,
even though they knew she'd be all right.
Though it would be nice to hear from her
that she made it to the other side.

They went through her belongings.
Boxing, sorting, cleaning up.
Everything had a memory; a story to tell.
They reminisced about her life.

Her sister-in-law found a penny under the couch.
She couldn't wait to share.
Her brother found one in a dresser drawer.
Was it really her saying, "Hello"?

She was hoping to find one too,
but would there be any more?
Then she saw them.
They were hard to miss.
Six pennies just waiting for her to find.

The knew then that she was okay.
They could be no doubt.
Eight pennies scattered around the house
proved to them that she had crossed over
and that she was doing just fine.