HI

"Don", sixty-eight" suffers from dementia and end stage cardiac disease. Don is divorced and lives alone, although has had full-time hired attendant care in the home for three years. Don had been doing okay until yesterday. He declined rapidly overnight to where now, he cannot walk, is struggling to breathe and not able to eat.

Don spent last evening in the Emergency Room. The doctors could only treat his symptoms as his heart is failing. Don's daughter, "Carlye" is the executor of his estate. Carlye is devoted to her father. She is aware that he is dying and wants him comfortable.

The admission nurse and I went out this afternoon to open Don to hospice. The nurse was working diligently addressing Don's discomfort. Don was suffering from "Terminal Agitation." Some patients, hours before they die, get restless and experience what Don is going through. At one point, the nurse told me later, that Don's heart did stop for one minute.

Don would rock back and forth and struggle to get a comfortable spot. Several times throughout our visit, he would stop rocking, his eyes would click in to us and he would so sweetly say in a soft whisper, "Hi". I saw such a gentle man who was thinking of others. Don had calmed down quite a bit by the time the nurse and I left two hours later. Caryle knows to call hospice with any changes or questions.

Carlye said that every Christmas her father would buy bicycles for the children in the community. She shared several other stories about his generosity. Even in dying, Don was thinking of others. What a legacy he will be leaving. I feel honored to have met him.

ADDENDUM: Don died two days later with his daughter by his side. Carlye said that her father's death was peaceful and calm. So deserving for such a sweet man.


"HI"

He looked so uncomfortable.
Restless, fidgety, holding his head.
Inhaling deep gasps, struggling to breathe.
Distressing us all to see him suffer so.

He had been a very successful businessman.
He was well known in his town
for his generosity; his kindness; his wealth.
Now he is confused and not aware we are there.

He would lie back, then lean forward.
He couldn't find a comfortable spot.
Every now and then, his eyes would open,
he would see us and so sweetly whisper, "Hi."

He had an amazing spirit.
His big generous heart shone through.
Thinking of others before himself.
Struggling so, but still a gentleman.

For the two hours we were there,
he continued in this vain.
Trying to get comfortable,
seeing us, then a soft, sweet "Hi."

He had calmed down some
as we were getting ready to leave.
I stroked his head and said some words.
He looked up to me and softy said
in his kind sweet voice,
                         "Thank you."