CURMUDGEON

"Janice", eighty years old, was diagnosed with cancer five months ago. She has been in a rapid decline since that time. Where five months ago, she was totally independent, now she needs help with most of her daily needs.

The hospice nurse and I went out to meet with Janice and her daughter, "Debbie". Janice comes across gruff and tough. While explaining our program to Janice and her daughter, Janice challenged all that was said. She would grumble and complain, but her words were soft. She had a delivery what would make me laugh. I would notice a half smile when she spoke, along with a twinkle in her eye.

Debbie said that her mom was a great mother. Janice rebuffed any compliment with a quick jab at whoever was speaking. One moment, Janice would be complaining, and then the next, she would speak about her pre-school days and how much she loved teaching.

Janice tried to be so tough, but her kindness shown through. Janice likely feels she has to be tough to fight her cancer. She says she is not ready to die. Her biggest fear is the unknown. Hopefully, Janice has time to process her emotions and find her peace. I wish her all the best.


CURMUDGEON

She grumbled when we walked in.
She was not happy to see us there.
We reminded her of what was happening.
Something she's been trying to forget all along.

She had been living independently.
She had been managing just fine.
Then five months ago, the cancer hit.
She doesn’t like it one bit at all.

She’ll gripe, she’ll complain;
she’ll try so hard to hide her gentle heart.
With a half smile and a twinkle in her eye,
she’ll constantly challenge all that we say.

She was a pre-school teacher.
Her face lights up with those memories.
She’ll proudly share a story about her grandson;
forgetting to be negative and show us a big smile.

Her one regret was never seeing John Denver.
Her curmudgeon face now all but gone.
We sang a chorus of "Country Roads".
Harmonizing together with enthusiasm in song.

She'll probably continue to grumble.
She'll probably continue to gripe.
She's as far from a curmudgeon as they come,
but she'll try to convince us all the same,
although never fully able to hide
         that big, tender, loving heart.