"CLINK"

Sixty year old “Valerie” suffered from multiple strokes, leaving her paralyzed and unable to speak. She spent her days lying in bed as she was totally dependent with all of her needs.

Valerie was married to “Joe”, who was her primary caregiver. Joe was a huge “teddy-bear” kind of guy with the biggest heart of anyone I have known. It was so apparent how much he loved Valerie. He was devoted to her and constantly told her how much he loved her. She was totally alert and aware and communicated by mouthing her words.

Valerie took a downward turn several weeks ago. It was then when she came onto hospice. Both Joe and Valerie had a strong Christian faith with a belief in God and the afterlife. Joe said that Valerie was at peace as she knew where she was going.

About two weeks ago, Joe was lying next to Valerie in their bed. Joe said that he was telling Valerie how much he loved her when they both noticed a shadow and then a sound of a “clink”. Joe said it sounded like a dinner plate. Valerie immediately mouthed to Joe that it was his father’s spirit. Joe said that they both believed that loved ones are always with us, but it is nice to get a reminder now and then.

When I heard that Valerie had died early this morning, I called Joe as I had a scheduled visit planned for this afternoon. Joe asked that I still come out as he needed the support.

Joe and I sat at the kitchen table and he, in his typical fashion, started sharing how much he loved Valerie and how blessed he was to have her in his life. He said the fourteen years they were together was a lifetime of living.

He shared the story about hearing the “clink” of his father’s spirit. He then added that, while he and other family members were sitting around the kitchen table earlier today, they heard a “clink” of a dinner plate a few feet away. Joe says it gives him peace to know that Valerie is, and will always be, around.


“CLINK”

He is an amazing guy.
He loved her so much and it showed.
He talked about how they met.
How she changed his life for the better.

He is forever grateful
God placed her in his life.
Each day with her a blessing.
Each day, a special gift.

These past few weeks have been tough
as he brought her home to die.
He intuitively knew what she needed,
even though she could no longer talk.

He laid down next to her in their bed,
telling her how much he loved her.
First a shadow, then a sound like a “clink”.
She mouthed that it was his dad’s spirit.

They both believed in the afterlife.
They both felt the spirit of his dad.
It gave them comfort to know
that loved ones are always around.

He woke up this morning and found her gone.
He called family who gathered around.
Sitting in the kitchen grieving the loss,
suddenly all heard a dinner plate go
“Clink”.