EIGHT DAYS

I met "Sam's" family several months ago when the family requested that our hospice make a visit to educate them about our program. We spoke with Sam's son, "Andy" at that time as Sam was in a deep sleep during the initial visit. After we explained our program and left literature, Andy said that he wanted to speak with the rest of his family prior to making a decision to admit their father to our program.

Our Admission Department received a call about Sam early today from the hospital where he had been a patient for several days. Sam's diet this past month has been mostly comfort foods. Foods that take less energy to eat. That too has changed, as Sam now has stopped eating or drinking any fluids for several days. His family wanted him discharged home with hospice support so that he could die peacefully in his home.

The hospital coordinated with our Admission staff regarding a plan to discharge Sam to home today and admitting him to our program. I went out to the home forty-five minutes before Sam arrived home. I educated Sam's three children about our program and completed all of the admission paperwork moments before the ambulance transported Sam home.

Even though he was imminent, Sam touched my heart so deeply as we both were the same age. He made me realize how random illness can be. We all have heard folks say, "There for but the Grace of God go I". It makes me feel so blessed and thankful for all that I have and, hopefully, will continue to receive, this life.

ADDENDUM: Sam died peacefully the following morning with his family by his side.


EIGHT DAYS

He has an amazing family
who are always by his side.
Mind and body deeply impacted
from a devastating illness.

He had been doing quite well
until this recent decline.
His ten year illness winning the battle;
now imminent with death likely soon.

This family touched my heart
with their strong love and devotion.
They were realistic about his poor prognosis,
but ready, as he has suffered far too long.

He, being eight days younger than I,
gave me a mindful connection to him.
I, so easily, could have been the dependent one;
needing help with all of my needs.

Illness is so random.
It touches with no purpose at all.
No one knows who will be next.
So embrace eight days,
          one month,
                   one year,
                            or whatever you got.