LATE BLOOMER

Ninety-two year old, “”Katie” retired seven years old at the age of eighty-five. She went back to school after her children were grown. She was in her early fifties and wanted to study psychology. She received her PhD and went on to have a clinical practice for thirty years.

Katie has always been an independent, free spirit. She has been widowed for over thirty years and is used to being responsible for her own accomplishments. Katie moved into a board and care home three years ago. She could no longer live alone as her memory was fading.

Katie has four adult children, of which two live nearby. They are very involved in her care and are devoted to her. I met with Katie and her daughter, “Janet” today to open them to our hospice program. Katie was lying in her hospital bed in her room. She was sleepy as her daughter had just woken her up. Katie was easy to smile.

Janet and I went into the living room to talk about our hospice program and how we are available to support the family as they need. It was then that Janet told me about her mother’s accomplishments. She was very proud of what her mother had done.

Meeting Katie for the first time and seeing her confusion, it is hard to imagine that she was working only seven years ago. She is an excellent example of someone living their life in a way that suits them. She is a role model for all of us.


LATE BLOOMER

　
She has had a long life.
She’s made it ninety-two years.
Unfortunately she is now totally dependent
after years of amazing accomplishments.

She went back to school in her fifties
after her four children were fully grown.
She didn’t stop until her PhD.
Clinical Psychology, an impressive goal.

She counseled clients for thirty years;
long after most of us would choose to be through.
Seven years ago, she took her retirement.
At age eighty-five, it was time to step down.

Confusion is now her constant companion.
She has few memories of her impressive past.
Her children remind her and brag to their peers.
They all are so proud of what she has done.

She has touched many along her way.
More than she’ll ever know.
Although her time may be short;
her legacy will always remain.
A role model,
        a mentor.
              It’s never too late.