SPIRITUALITY

At each hospice admission, I ask patients about their spirituality. Most folks think I am asking if they have a religion. I clarify it by saying that yes, religion is spiritual, but spirituality is so much more. It can be their garden, their walks in the park or so many other things. It truly is one's philosophy about life. One man shared that his spirituality was his Harley-Davidson and I believed him.

Ninety-five year old, "Bette", was opened to hospice because of lung disease. Bette is totally alert and oriented. She is able to walk around independently using her walker. She looks twenty years younger than her stated age. I believe it has a lot to do with her "young at heart" personality.

The hospice nurse and I sat at the kitchen table with Bette and many other family members. All were sharing stories about how Bette helped each of them out throughout their lives. They all admired and respected her. It was a beautiful thing to see. Bette was very practical. Family shared stories about how Bette embraced each of her days. Bette said that when she goes to bed at night, she will make a plan on what she will be doing the next day. She added, "It gives me so much pleasure."

She is easily able to put her thoughts in perspective and have a strong handle on things. Her spiritual belief was the same. I thought it was wonderful how she defined her philosophy on life. It was such an honor to have met her.


SPIRITUALITY

When I ask patients about their spirituality,
many think it is about one's faith.
But spirituality is so much more than religion.
It is also one's philosophy about life.

We all believe what makes sense to us.
We believe what we hope to be true.
No logic or reason can define it clearly.
It is one's belief without proof.

She will be ninety-six in a few weeks.
She's lived a long and wonderful life.
Her family shares stories about those she has touched.
She has truly given out unconditional love.

I asked her about her spirituality.
She said she never had any particular religion,
but does have a belief in God and the afterlife.
More importantly though, she believes in the good of mankind.

It is not that complicated at all to her.
The Golden Rule is what she believes.
"Do unto others as others would do unto you."
Simply put she added;
          "What I truly believe in is
                   The Ten Commandments."