RICHES

Ninety-three year old “Helen” has multitude health problems. She was referred to hospice as her kidneys are now failing. She is bed bound and sleeps most all of the day.

Helen lives with her daughter, “Tina” and Tina’s partner, “Jocelyn”. Jocelyn is the primary caregiver for Helen and Tina. Tina has had recent hip replacement surgery and needs both of her knees replaced as well. Because of her health issues, Tina has many limitations.

Jocelyn is devoted to Helen and Tina. She handles the responsibility placed on her in stride. Tina will talk about how much they rely on Jocelyn and how difficult it can be at times. Jocelyn upon hearing this, will just shrug it off and change the subject. Jocelyn’s kindness and compassion is true.

I met the family for the first time today. I was walking toward their front porch and heard laughter inside. Jocelyn opened the door and, with a very large, warm smile, welcomed me into their tiny home. They live in a small two bedroom home that Tina’s father built over sixty years ago. It is small and cramped with limited space.

I walked into the bedroom where Tina was sitting next to her mother in the hospital bed. Tina was holding her mother’s hand. She said it helps her mother sleep. They immediately started to joke and tease. Helen was in a deep sleep and didn’t stir when the laughter got loud.

Tina shared that she is the last of four children her mother bore. In addition, her mother has outlived two husbands. I asked Tina how her mother copes with so many losses. She said her mother just continued to keep walking. The family has such a strong faith that sustains them through tough times and throughout their lives. They state strongly that “It is all in God’s hands.”

I was so impressed at the devotion and love this family shared with each other and the warmth they gave to me. Many define riches by the possessions they have acquired. This family knows that they have the most important riches of all; faith, love and family. They are to be admired.


RICHES
　

They had me laughing
right from the start.
Teasing, joking, giggling.
Everyone was fair game.

Their life has been a struggle.
Challenges at every turn.
Losses abound,
but their smiles never fade.

She’s lived nine decades.
Three of her four children are already gone.
Tremendous losses for any mother.
She has always just taken one more step.

Now she lies bed bound.
Her daughter faithfully by her side.
Holding her mother’s hand when she can’t sleep;
is all she is physically able to do.

She has many health problems herself
which limit her ability to help.
But she will continue to smile.
She will continue to focus on the love.

They don’t complain about their tiny home.
They don’t complain about financial hardships.
They don’t worry about the latest fad.
Luxuries many others do take for granted.

They see their invaluable riches.
Riches of love, faith, humor, family commitment.
A bounty of priceless gems.
Riches not seen by the eye,
       but riches
              conveyed from the heart.