NEVER ASSUME

The hospice nurse and I went out to admit “Ted”, to our hospice program. Ted has end stage kidney disease and decided to stop dialysis. He had been getting weaker making it too difficult to maneuver to the dialysis treatment center.

Ted lives with his grandson, “Donnie“; twenty-five. Donnie and his younger brother, "Louis", met us at the front door. The first thing once notices are all of their tattoos. The first impression I had was “These are tough guys?” Donnie sat down wearily in a recliner, while we stood in the living room. Louis started telling us about Grandpa and the recent weeks of his decline.

Once the boys started talking, their tenderness and love for Grandpa was so apparent. Donnie has lived with Grandpa for several years being his primary caretaker. A week ago, Louis drove up from his home an hour away to help out his brother. He will be staying for the duration. Both boys know that Grandpa cannot live more than a week or so without dialysis treatment.

Donnie and Louis are doing a wonderful job caring for their grandpa, although both are exhausted from lack of sleep. During the visit, Grandpa was asleep in the next room. Any time he awoke for a moment, either grandson would immediately go in to see if he needed anything. Their devotion to Grandpa was so beautiful.

Donnie spoke of his strong faith in God that helps him through tough times. Louis has cared for several other family members and is more confident in his role as caretaker. As Donnie and Louis are helping Grandpa, they also are helping each other. Any Grandpa would be proud to call them Grandsons.


NEVER ASSUME

We all probably do it now and then.
Assume a certain personality type
by how someone looks.
Their dress; their hair; their walk.

First impressions are powerful,
but quite often, I bet, we are wrong.
Our individuality is found inside;
our spirit; our heart; our soul.

They both met us at the front door.
Two young brothers; mid twenties.
Tattoos; piercings; shaved heads.
Home devoid of amenities.

Their hearts shown immediately.
Their devoted love for Grandpa.
Wanting to do the right thing;
but not quite sure what to do.

Exhausted from lack of sleep.
Grandpa is up a lot at night.
No complaints, just weary.
Appreciative of any help.

They’ll continue to support him.
They’ll continue to make Grandpa proud,
asking for only one thing,
          “Please pray for us.”

If you passed them on the street
you would never know.
Two amazing brothers
with hearts full of gold.

Never assume.