LAST WORDS

“Bruce”, sixty-seven, was diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago. He had been managing his illness without any limitations, until recently when he started to slowly decline and become weaker. Bruce lived with “Monica”, his wife of fourteen years. Monica was seventeen years younger than Bruce, but the age difference never impacted their relationship.

They were devoted to each other and often talked about being soul mates. This was Bruce’s third marriage and Monica’s first. Monica always said that Bruce was married twice before, but I am his first wife. She was determined in her role to take care of Bruce and their home.

Bruce’s family owned a restaurant, but when he could no longer work due to his illness, he sold the restaurant. His father had died ten years prior and his mother was in her late eighties and living in a facility. No other family member was interested in keeping the restaurant in the family. Bruce had no regrets about selling the business. He looked at life in a very practical manner and had few regrets about any decision he made in his life.

Bruce was very upbeat and loved to talk. He would share amazing stories about his life, the good and the bad. always with a positive spin. He laughed easily and really enjoyed his life. He had no fears about dying and accepted his situation as it was.

One day Bruce was up sitting in his recliner chair in the family room and the next day he was bed bound and actively dying. Within a week he was gone. He stopped talking three days before he died and Monica shares that it gives her peace and comfort knowing his last words to her were the last words she heard every night of their marriage before she fell asleep.

Monica has excellent supports from her family and friends. I know the days ahead will be hard on her, but she is very open with her emotions and feelings and easily accesses her support. I know she will do well.


LAST WORDS


They met later in life.
She knew he was the one.
They were soul mates, lovers.
It was meant to be.

She was from the old school
as felt it was her duty
to take care of him and their home.
She was determined in her role.

Each night when they went to bed,
his last words to her would be,
“I love you. Sweet dreams,”
while she drifted off to sleep.

He never missed a night
to wish her those sweet dreams.
It gave her comfort, it gave her love.
A perfect ending to her day.

They shared his illness together.
She was devoted and by his side;
caring for him, attending to his needs.
Making sure he was always okay.

He slipped away quietly
while she held his hand at the bedside.
It gives her comfort and great peace
as the last words he spoke to her were

“I love you. Sweet dreams.”