IT TAKES A VILLAGE

My fellow co-worker was frustrated by the bureaucracy of this case after hitting several roadblocks. She hoped I would have better luck and asked if I could get involved.

“Kelly” had been on hospice for only a few weeks. She had been declining this past week to where, now, she was unresponsive. Her daughter, "Bonnie" and son “Adam”, had been trying to complete the paperwork that Adam’s employer demanded. All they needed was a signature from their mother's doctor stating that she was on hospice. Adam's employer would not allow Adam time off without the signed paperwork.

Adam lived in another state and wanted to see his mother to say one last goodbye. Bonnie and Adam were hitting many roadblocks during the course of trying to get a doctor’s signature on a particular form.

After speaking with Bonnie, I told her that I could come by on my way home to pick up the paperwork and that I would get the doctor’s signature for them. Coincidently, their home was right on my route home.

The next day, I drove to the clinic where the doctor worked and thought I could get her to sign the form between seeing her patients. I met up with a clerk who adamantly told me that I would have to go to another department on the first floor. I was so frustrated as I was trying to let her know that the patient was imminent and this was urgent. She held her ground.

I went to the department downstairs and met up with an angel, who immediately took the paperwork and said she would have it done right away. She bypassed all the Medical Center's bureaucracy as understood the urgency. It felt good to know that Adam made it to his mother’s side before she died and was able to say goodbye. It surely does take a village.


IT TAKES A VILLAGE
　
They told her he was coming tonight.
He was getting on the next plane.
Hold on until he comes.
He wants to say one last goodbye.

She was unresponsive,
but somehow the family knew;
she heard that he was coming.
They hoped she could hold on.

She didn't know about all the paperwork.
She wasn't aware of the bureaucratic mess.
So many people involved and helpful,
just to get him on the next plane.

He was able to fly in late last night.
He was able to tell his mom goodbye.
They know she waited to hear his voice
as early this morning, she said goodbye.

It takes a village.