"GO IN PEACE"

“Eddie”, ninety-three, was just admitted to hospice two weeks ago. Eddie suffered from prostate cancer and had been slowly declining these past months. He was bedridden, confused and needed assistance with all of his needs. Eddie has been married to “Joyce” for twenty-six years. Sadly, Joyce suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease and needs total care herself.

Both Joyce and Eddie have children from previous marriages. Joyce’s daughter, “Suzanne” is very involved and supportive to the couple. Suzanne hired, “Connie”, three months ago when she saw Eddie’s decline. Connie lives-in and is devoted to Eddie and Joyce. She is tender and so gentle with the two of them. It is so obvious that Connie loves taking care of others.

During my visit this afternoon, Connie, Suzanne and I got in a very spiritual discussion about afterlife and their strong Christian beliefs. Eddie’s hospital bed was a few feet away. One could hear his labored breathing. Suzanne shared stories about Eddie as well as stories about loved ones she has lost in her life.

Suzanne shared memories of how many of her deceased relatives have come to her in dreams. She added that it gives her peace knowing that they are doing okay. She talked about heaven and when it is our time, we will just go.

During this conversation, I wondered if Eddie was hearing what we were talking about. I shared with Connie and Suzanne that it takes no energy to listen or to feel. As I was leaving, I stopped and said some final words to Eddie, giving him permission to go when he is ready.

Thirty minutes later, Suzanne called and told me that Eddie died a few minutes after we both left. She said it happened so perfectly. She was at peace, knowing that Eddie too, is at peace.


“GO IN PEACE”

　
　
He was lying nearby in the hospital bed.
He was in a deep sleep; not responsive.
His breathing was now getting labored.
We knew it wouldn’t be much longer.

We talked about spirituality.
We talked about sacred beliefs.
How her loved ones have come to her before.
Feeling them; seeing them; in her dreams.

It takes no energy to listen or feel.
I wondered if he was listening nearby.
Hearing them say how much they love him.
Feeling sad that his life has now come to this.

As I was leaving, I stopped to gently stroke his head.
I whispered, “If you see the light, it is okay to go.
You will know when it is your time.
Your family will be okay”.

A few minutes later, she decided to leave.
She told him “Go in peace.”
She kissed the top of his head,
then quietly told him goodbye.

Ten minutes later she got the call.
He has taken his last breathe.
Did he hear her final, gentle words?
Hopefully he’ll enlighten her,
       tonight,
              in her dreams.