VETERANS

Each Memorial Day, our hospice presents the veterans on our program with a package containing a flag, a pin, a plaque and a card thanking them for their service. The hospice staff presents the packages to their own patients. After the staff left for the day, there were three remaining packages. I had time this afternoon and offered to deliver the remaining three bags.

Coincidently, two of the bags were for patients in the same Assisted Living Environment. The remaining bag was for "Alton", a patient I had met two weeks before when he was admitted to our hospice program. Alton lived about a mile away from the other two patients in another Assisted Living Center. I had met Alton's four children at the admission visit as well. Making this delivery felt special as I had connected with this wonderful and supportive family.

I walked into the facility and informed the staff that I was there to see Alton. The clerk told me that Alton had died two days ago. I wasn't aware as had not heard about his death. Being the admission social worker, I see so many patients only one time. Often I will hear about a death and recognize the name, but cannot connect the name with the patient.

The clerk informed me that Alton's four children were in the conference room and were ready to leave. The family were so pleased when I informed them about the purpose of my visit. Alton's son spoke of displaying the plaque at his father's memorial. The plaque had Alton's name thanking him for his military service. It felt good to be able to complete the circle with Alton's family. It was a special honor to be a part.


VETERANS

　
Hospice salutes our veterans.
We keep track of who they are.
Every Memorial Day we honor them
with a flag; a plaque; a pin; a card.

The staff handles the deliveries.
They thank each and every one
for their service; their sacrifices;
keeping our country free.

I was able to help out.
He was my first stop of the day.
I had met him and his family two weeks before,
making it much more special to me.

The staff told me he died two days ago.
I was surprised as I wasn't aware.
She said his family is in the conference room,
but they are about ready to leave.

I was able to thank him through them.
They were touched by the recognition.
They talked about his memorial.
How the plaque now would be on display.

Veterans are proud of their service.
His memorial will capture it all.
It all flowed so perfectly.
Somehow I know,
         he was involved.