THEIR LAST GOODBYE

We admitted two patients to hospice today. Both were females in their eighties. Both were residing in a Residential Care Facility. One mom had been in her facility for over three years as suffered from dementia and needed a lot of help. Recently, though, she has been in a decline to where she is weaker, more confused and not eating, although the staff are supplementing her diet with an Ensure.

Her daughter, “Sharon”, visits frequently and was realistic and honest about her mother’s status and her emotions regarding this recent change. Her mom doesn’t talk much, but appeared relaxed and comfortable. Sharon spoke how she is ready to let her mother go as their is no quality of life for her any longer.

The second patient we admitted to our program, also was in her eighties and living in a Residential Care Facility. The difference was that this second patient had been independent until she suffered two major strokes. She was recovering from the first stroke when another stroke occurred one week ago.

The family moved her into the Residential Care Facility one week ago after going through rehabilitation. It was then that the patient suffered another major stroke. She is now imminent and unresponsive. Likely she will die within a few days. Her children are all aware and are grieving so appropriately. The three children shared that it is each other and their sense of humor that help them cope with life’s challenges.

Both patients had such different backgrounds, but it goes to show, that in the end, love is what matters and saying goodbye may be the best gift of love after all.


THEIR LAST GOODBYE　

Her mom is in her eighties.
She's been confused for years.
Lately, though, she is weaker.
Not eating much now, at all.

She is more wobbly on her feet
resulting in several recent falls.
Her daughter is grieving her mother
as there is no quality of life left at all.

Their mother's decline has been sudden.
She, late eighties too, had been living alone.
Now imminent and unresponsive.
Two major strokes ending it all.

Both families love their mothers,
but the mom they know is no longer around.
They told childhood stories; laughing while sharing.
Reminiscing about the past; good days long gone.

All are now ready for it to be over.
Their moms have suffered enough.
The kids don’t want their mother to leave,
but each are so ready to speak from their hearts
to lovingly say;
         
         Their Last Goodbye.