A HAPPY HOME

“Sue”, sixty years old, suffers from cervical cancer that has spread to her bones. Sue was admitted to hospice as there is no more treatment available to help her. She had been doing quite well until recently. I first visited Sue two weeks ago when she was able to walk independently using a walker. Today, she is wheelchair bound and needs assistance in transferring to the hospital bed. Sue accepts her situation without fears or concerns.

Sue lives with her husband, “Steve”, their twenty year old son, “Albert”, Albert’s girlfriend, “Rhea” and their eight month old baby, “Allison”. This very tiny, one bedroom home is in complete disarray. There is very little space to walk around because of all their belongings. There are boxes, knick-knacks, books and baby paraphernalia piled high throughout the home.

During my visit today, I was able to meet Steve and Albert as they both were not available during my initial visit two weeks ago. Steve is a big teaser and no one is immune to his playful antics. Sue was sitting in her wheelchair, dozing on and off during my visit. Steve would tease Sue and everyone, including Sue, would laugh.

The baby started to fuss during my visit. Rhea said that the baby was due for a nap. She took him into the bedroom and before long, the baby was sound asleep. Several times Steve went into the bedroom to fetch some paperwork. Rhea said that Allison can sleep anywhere to which Albert added, “We all can sleep anywhere. We sleep right where we happen to be when we fall asleep.”

This family is amazing as to how they approach life. They have accepted their lifestyle, without complaint or excuses. They are a perfect example of what we all should strive for. Happiness is not what we have in our lives, but who we have in our lives. It takes a strong family, in any circumstances, to trust and have faith in each other. They are a perfect example of what is really important in life. Kudos to all of them.


A HAPPY HOME
　

Five people in a tiny, one bedroom house.
Not enough beds for all to sleep.
Belongings, furniture, knick-knacks,
all begging for more space.

The house could use some paint;
the lawn, a little weed killer.
Furniture stained and worn out,
but I would definitely call this
       a happy home.

She’s been sick for a while
and had been doing quite well.
Recently though, she is in a decline;
weaker, sleeping more, no appetite.

The hospital bed looms large in the living room.
Less space now to move around.
No one seems bothered that the room has shrunk.
They, like usual, keep pressing on.

This family will giggle; this family will joke.
No one is spared any light-hearted tease.
Humor and laughter is what helps them through.
There isn’t a lot that can get them down.

I’m sure there is not much that this family desires.
They appreciate life and what they do have;
love, humor, loyalty, each other.
A perfect example of what we all strive for;
       a happy home.