COINCIDENCES

I have experienced so many coincidences in the work that I do. I have often been delayed which puts me in a patient’s home later than scheduled. Frequently that later visit ends up being the perfect time to be there. I walked into a home one time to open them to hospice. The elderly wife was so stressed over what to do when her husband died. Thirty minutes into the visit, the husband quietly died and I was able to handle all the details for her, thus relieving her of all the stress. I am never surprised when these things happen, although am in awe as I feel that a higher power is guiding it all.

Normally I schedule a visit a day or two ahead. I had two morning appointments scheduled for tomorrow and was about to schedule another for the afternoon. My instinct told me to leave that time available. I trust my inner voice and after several times thinking I should schedule something for the afternoon, I kept thinking that I need to leave that time alone.

Later this afternoon, one of the hospice nurses called me about “Sheila” one of our patients. She said that Sheila fell and was ready to talk about setting up a plan for care. Part of my job as a social worker is to discuss long term planning with the patients and families. Even if the patient doesn’t need twenty-four hour coverage at the time, it is good to have a plan in mind so when that time does come, it can be a smooth transition.

Sheila suffers from ovarian cancer. Sheila’s son, “Jeff”, lives in the home and has been her caregiver. He works nights, but is available during the day when he is not sleeping. That plan has been working fine as Sheila is able to walk slowly around her home and manage many of her needs. I have attempted to discuss a long term plan with Sheila several times. She would always respond saying her family and friends will help out. She never would clarify a definitive plan.

Sheila asked the nurse to call me so I could come out to help her and her family set up a workable plan. Sheila’s daughter lives nearby and also works. Tomorrow afternoon worked well as it gave her daughter time to arrange time off work in order to be present during the visit.

Somehow I wasn’t surprised that something like this happened as I listened to my inner voice to keep time available. When I listen and follow its guidance, I am never steered wrong. Coincidences, I believe, are powerful signs from above.


COINCIDENCES


It happened again today
like many times before.
An unexpected coincidence
falling perfectly into place.

I trust my inner voice; my instinct.
It speaks to me loud and clear.
It guides me to where I need to go.
It never steers me wrong.

Quite often when I am delayed,
it gets me there at the perfect time.
Words popping into my head
become the perfect thing to say.

My days typically fill up rather quickly
with pre-scheduled appointments.
Visits planned a day or two ahead
focusing on patient and family needs.

I left tomorrow afternoon open
which is not my typical routine.
I felt I needed to set aside the time,
but really didn’t know why.

She called to say they needed help.
They hoped that I could come soon.
I said I’ll be there tomorrow afternoon.
The perfect time for all.

I do not work alone.
I am guided from above.
The magic of the work that I do
is all wrapped up in
coincidences.