AFTERLIFE

Sixty-five year old “Cathy” suffers from leukemia. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer seven years ago and had been in remission. She, and her husband of 45 years, “Jack” thought she had her cancer beat, until two months ago when she was newly diagnosed with leukemia. The doctors told Cathy and Jack to go home and put her affairs in order. There was no more treatment available except for blood transfusions which would only slow down the progression of her disease.

It was then that Cathy was referred to hospice. I have made multiple visits to the home where our discussions always end up being very lively. Jack is very open with his emotions and feelings, while Cathy is more somber about things.

Jack worries so much about Cathy and how she is coping. Cathy’s only concern is what the dying process will be like. I shared what likely will happen and what to expect. I reinforced that hospice is all about comfort care and everything that can be done will be done so that she suffers no pain or distress.

Jack believes in God and the afterlife and worries that Cathy might have fears about dying as she has no belief at all. During my visit today, the three of us had a very insightful discussion about the afterlife. Cathy said she was open to whatever happens, even if there is nothing at all. She is at peace about things.

It gave Jack some comfort to know that Cathy is at peace. Cathy wasn’t available during my entire visit as the hospice home health aide came to give her a bath. That time gave Jack the opportunity to open up about his own emotions. He started talking about his plans after Cathy dies. He said the two of them have come to the reality of the situation once Cathy decided to stop having blood transfusions about a week ago.

Jack talked about returning to his volunteer work at the jail and a local food bank. With his volunteer work and the amazing support he has from his family, I know he will be okay, no matter where Cathy has gone.


AFTERLIFE


She was brought up Catholic.
They taught her about Christianity and God.
She learned all about the afterlife.
She learned all about Heaven and Hell.

Along the way, she stopped believing.
She started to question those principles.
Was there really an afterlife?
Is there really a loving God?

Now that she is traveling her final road,
these questions have moved to the forefront.
What will her next experience be,
or will there be anything at all?

She isn’t bothered much by all of this.
She’s ready to see what will be next.
She‘ll be fine, even with nothing beyond,
as she’s tired and ready to move on.

Many have strong beliefs about the afterlife.
Many are determined in their view.
But in the end, no matter what any of us believe,
what will be,
will be.