BLIND DATE

Ninety-six year old, “Millie” was diagnosed with dementia eight years ago. Millie lives with her husband, “Leonard” of seventy-three years. Millie and Leonard had ten children, losing their eldest son at the age of three due to a drowning. All of the remaining nine children are doing well to which Leonard says he is blessed.   Leonard shared that he met Millie on a blind date seventy-five years ago. 

Millie has been in a decline for about four months. It was then that their daughter, “Marlene” moved them into a Board and Care Home. Millie and Leonard live in the master bedroom which resembles a suite. It is quite a large room and suits their needs well. Millie came onto hospice today because she likely is starting into her dying phase. She is no longer eating and sleeps most of the day. She is non-verbal and hasn’t spoken for quite a while.

Leonard is in good health, although does get a little forgetful at times, which is likely age related as, he too, is ninety-six years of age. He has the cutest smile and a great sense of humor. I asked him what his secret was to growing old and he said that a sense of humor is a must. “Take things lightly.”

Leonard became more somber when we started to talk about Millie and her condition. He is aware that she is nearing the end of her life. He is not yet ready for her to go. I truly do not think age has anything to do with it. If Millie and Leonard had a hundred and seventy-three years together, it still would be way too soon.

Leonard did add that he had great support from his family. He says when he is feeling blue, all he needs is a visitor and that cheers him up. Leonard has visitors daily from his large family. It probably will be a shock when Millie dies as Leonard has not been alone for all these years. His strong Catholic faith and supportive family hopefully will help him through these tough days ahead.


BLIND DATE

　

It all started on a blind date
so many decades ago.
They were both hard working,
focusing on perspective goals.

She became a registered nurse
which made him so proud of her.
He was a successful salesman
selling auto parts along with needed tools. 

They never had much
as had nine children to raise.
They taught the children all about hard work.
All nine listened and earned college degrees.

He will smile so easily
when talking about their life.
The hard work; the travels; their faith.
In between, he’ll make us all laugh.

Now he is watching over her.
She no longer can talk.
She is confused and not aware;
sleeping through most of her days.

At one point he became quiet,
thinking about those seventy-three years.
With a sadness in his voice, he shared,
“It’s all happened way too fast.”