“Leon”, eighty-two, was just diagnosed eight days ago with inoperable brain cancer. Leon is widowed and lives alone. Leon’s wife died of cancer seven years ago. Her slow decline left an impact on Leon as to how she suffered through her ordeal. Leon was at his wife’s bedside as she was dying in the hospital. It was then he told his three sons, “I want to die quickly in my sleep”.
Leon’s three sons knew something was wrong about two months ago, when their father seemed to be getting forgetful and confused. Since the diagnosis, Leon’s middle son, “Mike” has moved in to be with his father. Mike and his two brothers rotate and take turns staying with their father. All three are devoted to him.
I went out today to open Leon to hospice. All three sons were present. While Leon was sleeping, we all sat and talked in the kitchen. The boys shared how their father was a safety engineer for the state and wrote policy about how to block off the highway when road work was needing to be done. Previously, there had been no policy and each crew manager was left to figure out things for themselves. They said their dad can simplify any complex situation. It was so obvious how proud the three boys were of their father.
Toward the end of my visit, Leon woke up and I was able to speak with him. He conveyed stories about his wife. He told the stories of their families by describing the various photos that were hanging on the living room wall. As I was leaving, I told Leon that I would be back in two weeks to check in on him. He told me, in an unemotional voice, “I won’t be here then”. I attempted to have him say more about that, but with his confusion, he drifted off into another topic.
After learning about Leon from his three sons, somehow I wouldn’t be surprised if Leon did die before these next two weeks are up. For Leon, it is just the way it is.
Addendum: Although unexpected, Leon’s forecast did come true. Leon died this morning, seven days after sharing his prediction. Somehow I am not surprised. Way to go, Leon!
WHAT HE KNOWS
He just found out a week ago,
there is nothing to be done.
An explanation for all those symptoms.
He just wants things to move fast.
He saw his wife suffer with her cancer.
How it slowly took away her life.
He knows the heartbreak she went through.
He hopes to die in his sleep.
He has always been a meticulous thinker.
He knows how to maneuver around details.
He is honest and always tells his truth.
He shares what’s on his mind.
He can simplify any complex situation.
He will clarify with a few, intelligible words.
His sons are at peace about his wishes.
They know he’ll have his way.
I told him I would see him again in two weeks.
He said he won’t be here.
I believe and his sons believe,
it is just something
that he knows.
No comments:
Post a Comment