KINDRED SPIRIT

I have known “Nora”, eighty-eight, for eighteen months when she first came onto hospice. She suffered from colon cancer and had been doing well until the last six months when she started to slowly decline. With each visit, one would find her in a recliner in her family room. She always had a smile and her face just lit up when she saw you walk in. She made one feel like they made her day by visiting. She had such love in her heart.

Nora lived with “Jack”, her husband of sixty years. He was in good health and was able to care for Nora. In the past two weeks, Nora would spend her days in bed as she was too weak to sit up. Nora and Jack’s two sons started being more available which was a great support to the couple.

With each visit, Nora would ask about how I was doing and what was going on in m life. She was always so interested in others, but also was able to share her life. She and Jack would tease each other and laugh so easily. At one point, I said that they could adopt me and Nora quickly stated, “You’re adopted.”

During my visit last week, I shared that I would see her in two weeks right before I took off for a two week vacation. I said I will stop by, even if it is an informal visit on my own time, to say goodbye before I left on my trip. Nora then said that she would be here when I got back. I believed her as I needed to believe her. Seeing how quickly she was declining, deep inside I knew it would not be. I just wasn’t ready for the reality of the situation.

Nora died yesterday afternoon. I called the home and spoke with Nora’s son, “Mark”, to offer condolences. Jack is hard of hearing and has difficulty talking on a telephone. I told Mark to let him know I called and if there was anything I could do for him. Mark then told his father that I was on the phone and if he had any questions for me. I then heard Jack ask, “When is she coming over?” I will be going out to do a visit tomorrow afternoon. Somehow it is as much for me as it is for Jack. I need to give him a hug as I need a hug too.


KINDRED SPIRIT


I am still shocked.
I can’t get her off my mind.
She said she’d be there when I got back.
I believed in my heart all that she said.

I knew she was getting weaker
but it’s been such a slow decline.
I thought we’d have more time together.
I wasn’t yet ready to say goodbye.

I just saw her last week.
We talked and laughed like usual.
I don’t remember what was said,
but will always cherish the love in her heart.

She took me under her wing.
She always asked about my life.
What was I doing, what was new?
She really wanted to know.

She is someone whom I‘ll never forget.
Her legacy in my heart will remain.
She was so special, a kindred spirit.
So goodbye for now,
til we meet again.