HIS WAY

Fifty-seven year old “Ronald” suffers from soft tissue cancer. The cancer is throughout his stomach and is slowly spreading. Ronald is either in his bed or wheelchair. He needs assistance transferring to his wheelchair.

Ron lives with his wife, “Angela” and one of their adult sons, “Jesse”. Jesse works at night in an ice cream parlor and is available during the day to care for his dad. Angela works during the weekdays and is available nights and weekends. The couple have another son, “Jon”, who lives nearby and comes a few days each week to help. He is able to do computer work at his parent’s home and is available to help his dad as needed.

Ronald is very open about his cancer and prognosis. Ronald lives his life like he is living, not dying. He spends most of his days in a hospital bed in the master bedroom. He is surrounded by his laptop, telephone, books, papers and all that he needs to fill up his days.

Ronald is very spiritual and spends several days each week, giving bible studies to several extended family members and friends. In addition, he spends time researching topics on his laptop. Recently, Ronald has been able to utilize a Senior Transportation Service which has allowed him to attend church and other outings. Ronald is a perfect example of someone living their life to the fullest.

I visit Ronald every two weeks or so to check in with him. The visits end up being long as the two of us get into amazing conversations about life and death. He is not only a brilliant speaker, but an excellent listener. Ronald and I get into all sorts of topics that are thought-provoking.

During our conversation today, he was sharing the doctors’ bleak prediction last summer. He added that he wants to live each of his days to the fullest as he never knows when it will all end. I don’t deny that he will, and told him that I thought his death would come fast as he grabs life from each day that he has. He agreed with my prediction. In the end, things will be what they will be, but I won’t be surprised if it happens the way we both believe. He is truly inspirational and his footsteps will be long remembered after he has left us.


HIS WAY

　

He sees the good in everyone.
He’s open to what they offer.
He lives his life to the fullest,
by celebrating each day, his way.

The doctors’ prediction was bleak.
Forty-eight hours was all that he had.
Nine months later, he is living his life.
Finding joy and pleasure in each of his days.

He is a fascinating conversationalist.
He listens with all of his heart.
He’s inspirational, insightful, spiritual;
igniting discussions between him and me.

Each morning, he awakes with a smile.
Another bonus day to celebrate life.
Embracing each moment as if it’s the last,
knowing one day, it will truly be.

He spoke today about his dying.
He believes his end will be fast.
Until then, he’ll fill up his days,
savoring each hour the only way he knows;
          his way.