TWENTY-FOUR

We admitted, "Chris", fifty-four, to our hospice program today. Chris was diagnosed with cancer six months ago. It was then that the doctors informed Chris that his cancer had already spread to his bones. Chris's daughter, "Myra" is his primary caregiver. Myra is an old soul. She is wise beyond her twenty-four years. Myra's total focus is on her father. She was appropriately tearful throughout our visit.

Myra's parents divorced when she was young. Myra moved South with her father, while her younger sister stayed with her mom. Myra and her father recently moved up north to be near her mother and sister to get the needed support. Myra spoke of her worries about her sister and her mother. Myra never once put the focus on herself as she was caring for everyone else.

This is an amazing family. Chris taught his daughter so well about life, family, responsibility and love. Myra blew me away by her maturity. She is planning on attending a local college next semester. I told Myra that her father is so proud of her.

Being such an amazing learner, I know Myra is learning lessons that she will use throughout her life. She has an amazing heart and such a spiritual soul.


TWENTY-FOUR　

Her younger sister went with mom,
while her dad raised her alone.
The two of them have been close.
He teaching her all about
          life, family, values and love.

He got sick six months ago.
His cancer had already spread.
They moved up north to get the support
of her mom and teenage sister.

His decline was extremely rapid
as he can no longer be alone.
A week ago he was walking and doing life.
Now he just sleeps; not eating much at all.

She worries about her sister.
She is concerned about her mom.
Her primary emotion though, is on her father,
"I thought we'd have more time."

She is the matriarch of her tiny family.
She is wise beyond her years.
She will get through these heartbreaking days
as she is twenty-four
          going on forty-four.