WANTS HER HOME

Mid afternoon, our Admission Department, received an urgent call from a local hospital requesting that hospice quickly come to admit this patient to our program. They shared that the patient was dying and her family wanted her home.

The nurse and I were able to get to the Emergency Department within the hour. As I was driving, I had this strong premonition that the patient would die near the time of my visit. Surprisingly, my intuition was accurate.

"Janice", the patient, came from a very large family. There were about fifteen family members with her. As they lovingly hovered around the patient's bed, I was able to counsel them on grief, loss and validate their feelings and emotions.

I felt that Janice waited for hospice to arrive, knowing that her family would get the needed support from hospice. It makes me feel that I am a small part of something amazing and quite large.

After the visit, I headed back to the hospice office. Walking up to my desk, I noticed a shiny, copper penny a few feet away from my chair. I have witnessed, and have had similar experiences with copper pennies. When one sees a copper penny, I know that someone who has died is telling you that he/she is okay. I truly believe Janice was telling me that, she too, was okay.

The rewards are amazing as I truly believe that we all are a part of a wonderful, spiritual universe.


WANTS HER HOME　

The nurse called us from the ER.
"Can you come quickly?
She is dying.
Her family wants her home."

Driving up to meet the family,
my thoughts became quite strong.
"She will die right before,
or maybe right after I get there."

Walking into the Emergency Department,
a few steps from her room,
several family members rushed out,
tearfully saying, "She has just died!"

I felt she waited until I arrived,
knowing it was then okay to go.
Wanting additional support for her family.
Doing what she needed to do.

I was able to support this large family,
while offering condolences;
counseling on grief and loss;
informing them about bereavement.

The family wanted her home,
but lovingly were by her side.
A stronger power was involved,
         as God too,
                   wanted her home. 

I AM

The moment I knew I wanted to major in Social Work, I also knew I wanted to do Medical Social Work. For whatever reason, I have always been interested in death and dying. Working in the Emergency Room at the start of my career, I daily worked with families after a sudden death. It was in those moments that I felt I made such a difference. One sees the relief on people's faces when you say that you are there for as long as they need you to be.

Hospice continually fills my cup up to the brim. Patients and families are so relieved after we explain our hospice support. Our goal is to give the patient and family the support to do their journey in their own way. The rewards return a thousand fold back to us as hospice workers.

Today I received multiple accolades from my social work peers and my supervisor. I will now be meeting up with the social workers on a weekly basis to do supervision in order for them to retain the counseling hours to earn their license (LCSW). Their responses blew me away. They all were so thankful that I will be doing this for them. Their words and kindness overwhelmed me.

It made me realize that this is another wonderful and supportive reason why I love doing hospice work so much. It comes naturally and I truly realize that it is my gift. The wonderful part is that I can also give back to my wonderful co-workers. Another, “Thank you God for all that you have given me.”


I AM

I am deeply aware of my blessings;
being thankful for all that I have.
Grateful for all whom embrace my life.
          That is just who I am.

I found my life's passion
in the hospice work that I do.
It is just natural for me to be there
meeting amazing folks along the way.

The rewards come from patients and families,
thanking us for all that we do.
Our listening, our comfort, our hearts.
Those gifts return to us a thousand fold.

Today I received an another amazing gift.
Not from a patient or a family,
but, wonderfully, from my peers
with whom I daily work side by side.

Their admiration; their praise
acknowledging the insight that I have.
Their kindness validates
what I have known all along;

"I am truly
          where I need to be". 

END-OF-LIFE

"Gary", eighty years old, was admitted to our hospice program today. Gary was diagnosed a month ago with Colon Cancer that has spread to his liver. Gary has been in a decline since that time. Gary uses a cane to ambulate as is a bit wobbly on his feet. Family state that Gary's appetite is "up and down". Gary has lost weight since his diagnosis.

Gary lives with his wife, who is his primary caregiver. Their two children live nearby and are very supportive to their father. Gary has a tremendous network of friends who all want to help out in any way that they can.

Gary has accepted his recent diagnosis without any fear or concerns. He is a highly educated man and worked as a scientist for the state. Gary thinks things through in a very objective way. He informed the nurse and I about his process in the End-of-Life Option Act in a very matter-of-fact way. He is totally at peace about his decision as feels it is the only choice he has.

At one point, I was able to speak to Gary's family about his decision and all are supportive of his choice. They deeply know that this is his way and the only option that will work for him.

Most folks, after a new diagnosis, need time to process what the doctor has told them. Gary immediately knew what was the best choice for him. I wish him well and pray that he has a peaceful death.


END-OF-LIFE　

He was diagnosed only a month ago
with a cancer that had already spread.
No treatment or cure; no viable options.
There was nothing more to be done.

He then thought about what choices he had;
realizing there were only a few.
Next he made a doctor's appointment
initiating the End-of-Life Option Act.

He doesn't know about afterlife
as does not identify with any faith.
He has no fears or concerns at all;
          "It will be what it will be."

He has a strong, spiritual soul
living in the power of nature.
He hikes, he bikes, he loves the outdoors.
Multiple things that gives him peace.

I admire him for his convictions.
I admire him for his strength.
His unwavering belief; his strong principles;
in knowing what is so right for him;

          End-of-Life Option Act.

"I'VE ACCEPTED"

The hospice nurse and I went out to admit, "Shirley", to our hospice program today. Shirley, eighty-two, welcomed us into her home with open arms. She graciously directed us to the dining room table to sit down and talk. Shirley's husband, "Frank", was already sitting at the table.

Shirley immediately started talking about her cancer and feeding tube, along with her career as a school teacher and other family stories. She would laugh so easily. Frank cried several times throughout our visit when talking about his wife's cancer and poor prognosis. She would then tell him to stop crying. Shirley only wanted positive moments in her life.

The way she spoke about her cancer was so amazing as she turned things around to the positive side. She spoke of her amazing family and her marvelous friends. She stayed upbeat and positive. Shirley was a perfect example of dying the way she lived. I have a feeling her family and friends are not surprised at all.


"I'VE ACCEPTED"

Her smile came so easily
as she greeted us into her home.
She straightforwardly spoke about her cancer,
her trouble swallowing, her feeding tube.

She was realistic and matter of fact.
No worries or fears at all.
She embraced her amazing family
and her tremendous number of friends.

Her husband's tears flowed more easily
as he spoke about his grief and sadness.
The thought of losing his wife of 61 years
was almost too much to bear.

When I asked her how she is coping,
her reply came so quickly,
"I've accepted
          That is what I do."

She was so amazing.
Diagnosed only three weeks ago.
Totally accepting so much unexpected loss.
Dying the way she lived.