A ROLE MODEL

I went out to open “Nick”, seventy-five, to hospice. Nick suffers from brain cancer and is confused. He is not aware of his limitations and gets frustrated when family “fuss” on him. He feels he is able to manage many of his needs alone. Nick uses a walker to ambulate, but is very wobbly on his feet. He cannot get up from a sitting position alone and is dependent with all of his activities of daily living.

Nick lives with “Alice”, his wife of fifty-four years. Alice worries about Nick and knows she is unable to care for him alone. Their children all live out of the area and two daughters have been visiting for a week. They will leave in a few days when their brother will then arrive for a three week visit.

During the time their son is in town, the children will arrange for twenty-four hour care to help Alice care for Nick. Fortunately Nick and Alice have the funds to pay for the help. This is a very close and devoted family. Alice gets overwhelmed easily and the children have quickly stepped in to help.

When I went out to do my initial visit, Nick and Alice’s daughter, “Bonnie”, answered the door. She welcomed me into her parent’s home with a cute tease. Humor is a wonderful coping skill. I always enjoy families who use humor. It helps me relate to them so easily as my family is the same way.

Bonnie led me into the living room where her father was sitting on the couch. Another woman was sitting next to him and I assumed it was Alice as she appeared to be about Nick’s age. She said her name was “Katherine” and added that she was Nick’s mother and she was ninety-five years old. At first I thought she was joking. I could not imagine Nick’s mother looking so young.

Katherine was so full of life and spunk. She was vibrant and had so much energy. She was engaging and it was so obvious how much she loved life. Her handshake was firm and strong. She was amazing to me and someone whom I instantly admired. She loved and lived each day to the fullest. She is a teacher, a role model and an inspiration. I feel honored to have met her.



A ROLE MODEL

The moment I walked in,
I noticed how she lit up the room.
She smiled so brightly
with her endearing, infectious laugh.

A petite woman.
Not much over five feet.
But one instantly saw her big heart;
her big personality;
her engaging spirit.

She is so full of life.
She enjoys every minute.
She embraces every hour.
She loves every day.

She uses a walker nowadays,
but manages very well on her own.
She has had some rough times in her life,
but moves on with a chuckle and a positive spin.

Her solid, firm handshake reflects her spunk.
You can’t help but notice the twinkle in her eye.
She instantly became my role model
at her young age
of ninety-five.