A PERFECT PLAN

An urgent referral was made to hospice for "James", eighty-four, who had a sudden decline since he suffered a stroke several weeks past. James has ultimately been in a skilled nursing facility following that stroke.

The hospice nurse and I met James's son, "Dan", and his daughter-in-law, "Julie" in the lobby of the nursing facility. The staff directed us to a conference room down the hall from James room for us to inform the family about hospice supports and to complete the admission paperwork.

Dan immediately started telling us stories about he and his dad and how close they were. While sharing these stories, Dan face would redden and his tears would flow. He would hold onto his wife's hand and continue to share his memories.

Ten minutes into the visit, the admission nurse, out of character, suddenly stood up and said she was going to check on James. She came back a moment later informing us that the patient was near death. Dan and Julie quickly left the room to sit with James. Ten minutes later, James took his last breath.

I have always believed that patient's let go when the time is right for them. It makes me wonder, did James know hospice was there to give comfort to his son? Did James know it was okay to go while his son sat by his bedside? I truly believe we all did witness James's perfect plan.


A PERFECT PLAN

We met them there at ten;
like we had previously scheduled.
We sat in a conference room
not far from where his father slept.

He spoke about his life
and what his father meant to him.
His grief so strong that tears would flow.
They were so sad by his recent decline.

We started to talk about hospice support.
Twenty-four hour care by a dedicated team.
Help us to follow your father's wishes.
Guide us to do things his way.

The hospice nurse hastily left
to check on how his father was doing.
She came back quickly saying,
"He is dying right now; you better come."

Ten minutes later, he was gone.
Letting go with his son by his side.
Did he choose this perfect time to leave?
Did he know there was support for his son?

A gift from a son; he didn't die alone.
A gift from a father; peacefully leaving this life.
Each giving the other a token of love.
All in all;
          indeed it was;
                   a perfect plan.