NO REGRETS

"Les", eighty, was diagnosed with stomach cancer several years ago. Les received many treatments of chemotherapy and radiation. Recently, his physician ordered several scans which revealed that Les's cancer is spreading. Les is slowly getting weaker, although still can manage all of his needs.

The hospice nurse and I went out to admit Les to our hospice program this morning. Les was so welcoming and immediately started to tell jokes, that he had us laughing moments after we walked through his front door. Les has such a positive attitude about life and so easily shared all his personal life stories.

Les does not worry about a thing. He knows that one day he may no longer be able to live alone. Les has been estranged from the majority of his family, although one cousin lives nearby. His cousin works full time and will not be able to help Les with his future daily needs. I spoke with Les about options for long term care. Les answered me with, "It is way too early to talk about those things."

Les lives in the moment and enjoys each moment he has. He doesn't worry about what tomorrow may bring him. Somehow I know from just meeting him today, that Les likely will be okay. He will embrace his life until the end, with no regrets.


NO REGRETS

He jokes and laughs so easily.
He sees life in such a positive way.
He loves to share his own life stories
          with no regrets at all.

He divorced his wife thirty years ago.
He is estranged from all of his kids.
He started drinking vodka at age five.
Being matter of fact, he'll share all.

He'd like to live to one hundred twenty-five
knowing that is unrealistic for sure.
"When it is my time, I will go.
We all have to travel that road one time."

More than thirty years ago.
he had an out-of-body experience.
That encounter took away any fears
as they told him then, it wasn't his time.

He'll continue to drink his vodka.
He'll smoke his marijuana cigarettes to help him sleep.
He'll keep on telling jokes and laughing;
and he will continue to live his customary way
          with no regrets at all.