LIVING HER FAITH

"Pauline", eighty, suffers from stomach cancer that has spread throughout her body. Pauline was managing fine until four days ago when she could no longer eat due to nausea and not being able to hold any food down. Recently, her radiation treatments were stopped as were no longer effective.

Pauline denied any fears stating, "I am ready." Pauline was widowed four years ago and knows she will be meeting up with her husband in heaven. She was married for over fifty years stating that "He was my soul mate."

When Pauline was diagnosed a year ago, her daughter, "Debbie", retired from her job, sold her home and moved in to help her mom. Debbie and Pauline have a very strong Christian faith that helps them cope. Debbie has devoted her life to helping others. She will help another effortlessly as "It is the right thing to do." It is Debbie's faith that guides her.

A few years ago, Debbie put her life on hold to help a friend who suffered a broken back from a horrific fall. Her friend was laid up and needing help for over a year. Debbie is such an amazing example of someone living their faith.

As the hospice team and I were visiting, Debbie was sharing stories of her life. At one point she added, "There are angels around us. Sometimes we don't recognize them at the time, but realize it later." I told Debbie, "I met an angel today in you." She was shocked as doesn't recognize what she does as amazing, but again, "It is the right thing to do." We can never have too many Debbie's in this world.


LIVING HER FAITH

She's always had a strong faith.
Her belief in God consistently strong.
Living her life selflessly.
Devoted to others in need.

There's been some hard times along the way,
but she takes it all in stride.
"Don't tell God how big your storm is;
tell your storm how big God is."

She put her life on hold for eighteen months
to help a friend in need.
A horrible accident with a long recovery.
Continually staying by her friend's side.

Her mother's diagnosis of cancer a year ago
turned her life again in another direction.
Without hesitation, she retired and sold her home
to move in to help her mother.

Knowing her mother's time is near
will bring some appropriate tears,
but her strong faith continues to give her comfort
knowing Mom will soon be flying high,
"We're walking
          one another home".

Living her faith.