A LONG LIFE

“Alan”, ninety-four, has been active most of his life. Alan lives with “Dorothy”, his wife of seventy three years. They have three adult sons who all live nearby. Years ago, Alan inherited an eighty acre farm from his father. The business has grown over the years, to where Alan and his three sons now work hundreds of acres in the area.

Alan and Dorothy have a twenty-four hour attendant as Dorothy suffers from Dementia. Alan recently had a heart attack and was hospitalized for care. His heart is failing and he is on continuous oxygen. His body has taken a large hit. Alan is very weak and will need constant care himself now.

The hospice nurse and I went out to the hospital to meet with Alan and his three sons. Alan’s doctor had made the hospice referral earlier, and the family was ready to have our services. Alan didn’t talk much as is hard of hearing. His sons were very involved and signed all the paperwork required.

The family farm has been a successful business for years. Alan’s hard work has paid off in so many ways. He taught his sons well as they, too, are very hard workers. Alan has accepted what was happened to him without complaint. He will smile so easily. Where once his father handed the business over to him, Alan now had completely handed over the farm to his three sons.

Alan has lived his life to the fullest and is not yet ready to stop living. He was anxious to get home to be with his wife. He feels confident about his business as knows his sons will keep it going like he has had for so many years. Alan will brag about growing acres of tomatoes, almonds and sunflowers. His spunk and spirit were inspiring. Whatever the day brings, he will cherish the joy in it. What a teacher Alan is for all of us.


A LONG LIFE
　

He’s lived a long life.
He’s accomplished quite a bit.
Endless hours harvesting the earth;
raising three hard-working sons.

He inherited the farm from his father.
Raising tomatoes, sunflowers and almonds.
Knowing when to hand the business over
to his three grown sons.

After ninety-four years of hard living,
his body can take no more.
His heart and lungs are weakening.
It’s time for him to slow down.

He has an easy smile.
Not much will get him down.
He appreciates his life; his sons.
He’s happy just to know he’s going home.

I asked him about his longevity.
What is his secret to such a long life?
With a sheepish smile, he turned and said,
“I don’t know. I haven’t gotten there yet.”