HIS WISH

“Walter”, aged eighty-six, had been healthy and active most of his life. Walter was diagnosed with prostate cancer several years ago. He had been doing well, until recently, when he was told by his doctors that his cancer has spread. Walter tried chemotherapy, but the side affects were intense. He chose to stop the chemo in hopes to having some quality days.

Walter lives with his wife, “Frances”. They have been married twenty-eight years. Frances is fifteen years younger than Walter. They both were married once before. Frances has two daughters, who live nearby, and are very supportive and devoted. Walter and France’s two daughters have a wonderful relationship. Walter proudly says that they are like his own daughters.

I first met Walter last week when I went out to do my open and meet with him and Frances. Walter was sitting on the couch and said that he felt miserable. He looked very uncomfortable, to which he admitted being. In addition, he added that he was also very nauseas. Walter denied being in pain, just feeling “crummy“.

Walter hated feeling this way and was determined when he said, “I just want this to be over.” Walter had no fears about dying as has a strong Christian faith and says he knows where he is going. Walter slipped away in the middle of the night. He was in a hospital bed in the dining room. Frances was sleeping nearby on the couch. She noticed that Walter’s breathing was very slow and deep right before she fell asleep. Several hours later, she woke up and went to check on Walter. It was then that she noticed that he was no longer breathing.

I called Frances the next day to offer my condolences. She felt at peace about it all as he was no longer suffering. She will grieve, but hopefully she will get comfort knowing Walter got his wish.


HIS WISH
　

He has been sick for a while,
but his decline came quickly.
Not able to walk or enjoy a meal;
he hated being this way.

When asked how he was doing
or how he was holding up,
his response was always determined,
“I just wish this were all over.”

Feelings were sympathetic
with a blending of bittersweet.
They didn’t want him to suffer,
but also did not want him to leave.

He slipped away in the middle of the night.
She awoke to find him gone.
She felt sadness along with relief.
His suffering was finally over.

She will tell those who will listen;
“He wanted to go; he got his wish.
         He wanted to sleep away.
                  He got his wish”.