"MY HEART"

"Saul", sixty-eight, was diagnosed over two years ago with Pancreatic Cancer. At the time of diagnosis, doctors predicted he having only months to live. Saul went through chemotherapy and radiation treatment successfully. In the past weeks though, Saul has been in a decline. He is continually queasy and on a liquid diet as food makes his nauseous worse.

Saul lives with his wife, "Anna". They have four children who are very supportive and caring. Anna's phone continued to ring throughout our visit. It was supportive family and friends calling to check in how things were going.

Saul and Anna's home was simply decorated. It was very clean and neat having no excess belongings around. Saul asked all about his stomach pain, wanting to be clear on how to take the pain medication. Once he was satisfied that he understood, he had no other questions. He denied any fears or concerns about his terminal prognosis.

Anna, because of her strong faith, also saw life like Saul. Life was not that complex to the couple at all. Anna truly believed life's journey was all guided by God above. She accepted life no matter what came their way. She was so appreciative of hospice's support truly believing God had sent us to her front door.

What a beautiful soul. Her wonderful love of family, along with her strong faith, guides her peacefully. Talk about wisdom!


"MY HEART"

The moment you walk into her home,
you get a sense of who she is.
Her home is minimally decorated;
no clutter; no knick-knacks; no mess.

Her Muslim faith nourishes her;
clarifying her strong beliefs.
Life is not that complex to her.
She knows it is all in God's hands.

She graciously accepted hospice into her home,
trusting us to know how best to treat her husband.
He was diagnosed over two years ago.
Living so much longer than predicted.

She willingly accepts life's challenges,
trusting completely in God's spiritual plan.
She knows his disease is terminal by asking,
          "How long will it be?"

I asked her, "How are you coping with this?"
Her answer, simply put, said it all.
"God is in my heart.
          Husband is in my heart."