BEAUTIFUL SMILE

Ninety year old “Hank” has been on hospice for about two months. He came onto hospice as he suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease and has been in a sharp decline.

Hank is single and has never married. He has no family left to call his own. His long time next door neighbor, “George” manages his finances, while George’s daughter, “Anna” is responsible for any health care decisions. Hank has twenty-four hired caregivers in the home to assist him.

Five years ago, George noticed Hank out in his front yard looking emaciated and confused. George figured out that Hank hadn’t eaten much for a while as his refrigerator and kitchen cabinets were empty. It was then that George and Anna got involved. They are the only people that Hank can call “family”.

George says that Hank has always been a loner and never has had many visitors to his home. George added, Hank was an intellect and kept to himself. It surprises me as Hank is such a charmer with his engaging giggle and smile. Even though Hank is confused, he has insight to his dilemma. During my first visit two months ago, Hank shared with me and his hired caregiver, “I remember things a long time ago, but can’t remember what I ate for breakfast.” The hired caregiver sweetly told Hank, “If you ever want to know what you had for breakfast, you can just ask me.”

With each visit, I am greeted with Hanks’ beautiful smile. He laughs and giggles so easily. You just have to look at him and he will smile back. He is a cutie and, with each visit, I am captivated by his charm.


BEAUTIFUL SMILE
　

The first thing one notices
when you walk into his home,
is his big, beautiful smile
as he greets you by the door.

He is confused and forgetful,
but aware he doesn’t know.
He will giggle and laugh at himself
for not remembering much at all.

He said, “Nice to see you again”,
although had forgotten who I am.
I replied back, “Good cover up” ,
which made him giggle all the more.

I am surprised he’s never married
with no children to call his own.
With his charm, his personality,
you’d never guess he’d be alone.

They say he’s always been a loner.
Not many visitors at his door.
He was intellectual, he studied.
Activities better done on one’s own.

All that has changed since
hired help is in the home.
He’s smiles, he giggles.
He charms us off our toes.