KARMA

The hospice nurse and I went out to admit, "Rosa" to our hospice program. Rosa, eighty-seven years old, had been very independent one week ago. Suddenly she became extremely weak and was admitted to the hospital for several days. The doctors feel she likely has a cancer, but Rosa chose not to have any further tests. She just wanted to go home.

Rosa has a very large, extended family, who all live nearby. This is an extremely connected family who are so focused on what is best for Rosa. The family is very realistic regarding her recent decline and poor prognosis. One might look at this family and only see what the family does not have monetarily. But to me, I saw millionaires of love intertwined with each and every one of them.

Rosa does not speak English, but she would grab my hand and say "Gracious" over and over. She had the most beautiful smile. Her heart was huge. She is the matriarch of such a wonderful family. She taught them all well.

"Catherine", ninety-six, was admitted to hospice today for end stage cardiac disease. She too, had a rapid decline, although had been needing help for quite a while. I spoke with Catherine's son on the phone after the visit. He lives several hours away but does visit often. His primary focus is making sure all of his mother's needs are met.

He arranged for twenty-four hour care in the home. Two friends of Catherine are sharing that support. One stays with Catherine four days a week, while, "Lorraine", her friend of sixty years, is with her the other three days. Lorraine totally amazed me with her enthusiasm and determination to make sure Catherine is well cared for. I was more surprised when Lorraine shared that she just celebrated her ninety-first birthday.

Lorraine may not be biologically related to Catherine, but she definitely is family. Lorraine supporting Catherine says a lot about Lorraine, but it also says a lot about Catherine. Again, Karma. It gives us all hope.


KARMA

I am a strong believer of Karma.
"What goes around, comes around."
Families strongly advocating for a loved one.
I amazingly see it every day in my work.

A week ago, she was doing just fine.
Then suddenly all that changed.
Now bedridden; not eating; totally dependent.
A likely cancer diagnosis if they ran more tests.

She has no income as was a homemaker by trade.
Widowed years ago; raising her five kids alone.
All, four generations of family, live nearby.
Loving her, caring for her, faithfully by her side.

She, on the other hand, has no family in town.
Her son, who loves her unconditionally, visits when he can.
Her friend of sixty years though, is very involved.
She, and one other, are with her full time.

She's been her friend for over sixty years.
She stays with her three days each week.
She is devoted and believes it is for her to do.
She has so much energy for someone ninety-one.

These two families are so full of love.
I feel so honored to witness such devotion.
Two prime examples of why I strongly believe,
          "What goes around, comes around."