WISE OLD SOUL

We admitted, "Cathy", to hospice today after a three year struggle with cancer. One's first impression of Cathy, is that she has had a rough life. She instantly smiles when she meets you, along with a wisecrack. She accepts life in such a positive, humorous way.

Cathy has recently declined to where she is much weaker. Cathy says she could use a walker as she is now wobbly on her feet. She is eating very little and sleeping a lot more during the day. She has totally accepted her terminal diagnosis and poor prognosis. She has strong Native American beliefs about life and lives those beliefs daily.

Her humor was off-the-wall hilarious. She had us all laughing when talking about her medication and recent decline. When I asked her if she had any fears or concerns, she stated that she wishes she would know that she would die in a few days. She does not like burdening her family with her slowly increasing needs.

What was so amazing and wonderful, is that Cathy lives her beliefs every day. She accepts where others are in their beliefs, but truly has such a strong spiritual insight. She has lived many more years than her age. She is an amazing soul.

ADDENDUM: Cathy got her wish, as five days later she died peacefully with her family by her bedside.


WISE OLD SOUL

She has no fear of dying.
"We all are going to do it".
Not sure of the other side,
"But it will be an adventure."

She embraces her life;
one moment at a time.
Accepting, loving, giving.
Her natural personality just shines.

She was a Corrections Officer by trade.
She comes across rough and tough.
She is straightforward and direct,
using sarcastic humor to lighten her load.

I was drawn to her instantly.
Amazed by her strong beliefs.
Spiritually living each day
knowing it may be her last.

She is a natural teacher about life.
Her mystical energy just flows.
She is the wisest of old souls,
at such a young age
          of only
                   forty-five.