ANGELS AND SPIRITS

"Albert", eighty-nine, has been a spiritual man his entire life. Albert and his wife, "Doris", have been married for sixty-two years. Albert suffers from end stage cardiac disease. Doris is caring for him with the help of their two adult children.

Albert has been in a decline for several weeks to where now he is bedridden, eating very little and needing help with all of his needs. He is very hard of hearing and, due to extreme weakness, his voice is extremely low, making conversation very difficult.

We went out to admit Albert to our hospice program today. As part of my introduction to our services, often folks want to know what to expect at the end of life. As I was talking about what to expect, I mentioned how some patients will see spirits of loved ones or angels. It is a very natural and normal experience for the patient. It typically gives comfort to the patient and their family members. It was then that Doris shared her story about what Albert had told her a few days prior.

Doris feels what so many of our family members feel. They don't want their loved one to die, but aware that there is no quality of life. Doris's love for Albert is allowing her to release him. After sixty-two years, their love is that strong.

ADDENDUM: Albert died peacefully four days before his 90th birthday.


ANGELS AND SPIRITS
　
His 90th birthday is two weeks away.
He wants to live until then.
He'll hold on as long as he can;
then he'll be ready to let go.

He told his family he is done.
He has no fears about what's next.
His deep faith gives him strength.
He knows he'll be just fine.

She struggles with letting him go,
but knows it's for the best.
He can only lie their quietly.
Not able to do much else.

We spoke about the end of life.
We spoke about what to expect.
Some folks see angels or spirits.
A natural phenomenon, giving comfort.

She then shared what he had told her.
How he saw an angel standing at the end of his bed.
The angel told him, "It won't be long;"
giving him peace; giving her comfort,
even though some tears did fall.