RESIGNED

Sixty-six year old, “Diane” suffers from colon cancer that has spread to her bones. Diane is divorced and had been living in Connecticut, where she grew up. Her only family is her brother, “Hank”, who lives in California. Diane moved to California several months ago to be near her brother, who is her primary support.

Diane has moved into a Residential Care Facility, which offers the twenty-four care that she needs. Shortly after Diane moved to California, she broke her hip. The cancer has spread to her bones, making them weak. Diane went through some physical therapy and was slowly getting stronger. A few weeks ago, she took a fall and fractured her left arm. Since that time, Diane spends her days in a wheelchair.

Meeting with Diane for the first time today, she had us laughing so easily with her wit and sarcastic humor. She is so easy going and accepting of what is happening to her. She has had so many dramatic changes these past few months. Diane just takes things in stride. She doesn’t look at what she has lost, but what she has.

Diane and Hank have a wonderful, close relationship. They spoke about what a small family they are and how special each is to the other. One can easily see it through their interaction with each other.

Diane easily spoke about her dying and her wishes to donate her body to science. Things were so matter-of-fact to her. Diane accepts each challenge that comes her way with such grace. She is an amazing role model to us all.


RESIGNED
　

She has resigned herself to her fate.
She’s adjusted to all the changes.
She is realistic about how things are;
knowing she’s in a decline.

Moving from one coast to the other.
Leaving behind her friends and her home.
Needing to be closer to her brother.
She takes it all in stride.

Her bones are weakened from the cancer.
She’s fractured her hip and now her arm;
both limiting her abilities profoundly.
Dependent upon so many throughout her days.

She talks quite openly about the changes.
She knows things are only to get worse.
She has no fears and just goes along;
wanting you to do the same.

She has always used humor to cope.
She’ll tease; she’ll laugh; she’ll share a joke.
“This is just the way things are.”
Looking forward to one more day.