SMALL BLESSINGS

“Rick”, ninety-three suffers from lung cancer that has spread to his bones. Rick is widowed and has two children. Rick recently moved into an Assisted Living Complex as he was declining and needed the additional help. The staff check on him hourly helping him with his needs.

Rick’s two children live locally and both visit daily. Rick loves the company. He also has many friends of all ages, who visit frequently. Rick was in World War II and talks about Okinawa. He says he was blessed as came through the war unscathed. He also shared that he went to school on the GI bill and got a free education because of his military service. He talks about his gratitude for that gift of an education. Rick says he has always looked at the positives in his life.

Rick spends most of his day in his hospital bed lying down as it helps his neck pain. Rick wears a neck brace and moves slowly to ease his pain. Rick is quick to smile when you walk into his room. He loves telling his life stories. His stories are full of positive moments and blessings.

Due to Rick’s cancer spreading to his bone, his life is very limited. When I asked him what keeps him going each day, he answered by telling me that he plans each day for the next. He has simple plans; like finishing the cold beer he started yesterday or writing one more paragraph in the letter he has started to his granddaughter living in Mexico. He takes great pleasure in the small tasks that he plans each day.

Rick is a very wise ninety-three year old. We can all learn from him. It is the simple things in life that are often profound. Rick is a living example of how true that is for all of us.


SMALL BLESSINGS

　
He has had a very productive life.
He’s fulfilled most every dream.
Family and friends always nearby.
He appreciates the life he has had.

Currently things are a challenge for him.
The cancer is winning the war.
It may be slowing his body down,
but his spirit remains on a constant high.

He doesn’t let much get him down.
He counts his blessings; the big and the small.
He enjoys a card game, an ice cold beer;
a friend’s phone call; a granddaughter’s letter.

He plans each day for the following one.
A reason to get up next morning.
Answer that letter, finish his beer.
Motivation to face one more day.

He lights up when sharing life stories.
He refuses to focus on any sadness or doubt.
He would rather appreciate the small blessings
in each and every one of his remarkable days.