TRAILBLAZERS

I admitted two patients to our hospice program today. Both were elderly and widowed. Both had memory deficits; one from Alzheimer's Disease, while the other from a multitude of medical issues.

"Susan" had no short term memory, but when her son asked her if she had breakfast this morning, she calmly stated, "I don't remember." It was so matter of fact with no emotion at all. She totally accepted her forgetfulness. "Virginia", due to brain damage, struggled with communicating as could not find the words to speak what she wanted to say. She said it was frustrating, but laughed about it as if she knew that there was nothing she could do about it.

Both of these ladies had supportive, involved families. Sadly, both families were losing their mothers slowly. The two families started grieving several years ago when the memory problems first appeared. Quite often, families will feel some relief at the death as they know their loved one is no longer suffering.

It just amazed me how both of these admission were so similar. We all make choices in our life to help us through our experiences; good times or not so good times. It is who we are that make us who we are today.

I so admired each of these lady's strength in doing what they needed to do and accepting what was going on. They are teaching all of us that we do have some control in the direction our life may move. They are, to me, true heroes and teachers to us all.


TRAILBLAZERS　

I love hearing my patient's life stories
as we all are so individual and unique.
But today I experienced such a coincidence
as if the two of them walked a similar path.

Both of these ladies were widowers
for just about four years.
Both husbands had been on our hospice;
dying only a few months apart.

They come from wonderful families,
although both experienced some rough times.
They kept moving forward no matter what,
having great strength to help them through.

Today that uniqueness blended together.
Hearing two stories so much alike.
How happenstance and choices
impacted each life.

But the most amazing thing to me though,
was how each chose their career.
One was "Rosie the Riveter";
          the other a welder by trade.

Doing what needed to be done
no matter what.
Impressive;
          powerful;
                   Trailblazers.