THE UNIVERSE

"Edith", eighty years ago, suffers from end stage lung disease. Edith lives with her daughter, "Kristi". Edith was just released from the hospital today. She was adamant about wanting to go home. Edith is on continuous oxygen and struggles with her breathing.

In addition, Edith is bedridden and dependent with all of her activities of daily living. She has a strong spiritual belief of being one with the universe. Edith has no quality of life and immediately told us when we walked into her room, "I am done."

She seemed so happy that it is her time to go. Her face would light up when talking about her beliefs of being one with the universe. Kristi would stand by quietly and did not say much at all, although she looked on the verge of tears. Kristi was struggling with letting her mother go, while her mother couldn't wait to get to the other side.

With hospice's support, hopefully in time, Kristi can come to terms with her mother's wish to go. It is such a struggle for most of us. It is hard to understand what Edith is going through as we all just walk this walk one time. I wish them both peace.


THE UNIVERSE
　
She was lying there so quietly
when we walked into her bedroom.
She immediately informed us,
"It's my time. I am done."

She wanted to make sure we understood.
Dying is just a part of life.
She has no fears or regrets.
She is ready to move on.

"I am ready to go.
It may be left, it may be right.
I am not sure which way,
but I know that I will be a part
of the Universe."

Her beliefs give her comfort.
Her beliefs give her peace.
She is steadfast in her knowing
what's to come on the other side.

Her daughter stands by so quietly.
Her mother's words bringing sudden tears.
She needs a little more time
before handing her mother off
         to the Universe.