WE WILL KNOW

I have been with so many hospice patients, who get to a certain point, that they are fully aware that they are done. They feel it on such an unemotional basis. It is like the next step for them. We admitted "Betsy", eighty-one, to hospice today after suffering a major stroke. She was discharged home today from the hospital.

Her daughter, "Judy", is her primary caretaker and wants to do what is best for mom. She and her mother have always been close. Mom can no longer talk, but does understand. Judy tries to ask her mom simple questions where her mother can nod her head yes or no.

Two weeks ago, when this first happened, Betsy did tell her daughter and her family what she wanted. One thing I know for sure, there is total love in this home. I told Betsy's daughter that she is doing things so perfectly for her mom as she is giving her love and she is accepting Mom's decision.


WE WILL KNOW

Somehow I truly believe
that we all can reach the point
where we say and truly know,
          "I am done."

We all want independence.
We all want quality of life.
Each defined so individually.
It is such a personal choice.

She was fine two weeks ago.
She was fully living and enjoying life.
A major stroke after a sudden heart attack.
Her life so dramatically changed.

She is now bedridden; not eating at all.
She is blind; no longer can talk.
She will nod her head to questions asked.
She knows what is going on.

They all know what she wants.
They all know it is her time
as two weeks ago she told them all,
          "I am finished.
                   I am done."