DETERMINATION

I had met "Johnnie" only two times. Three months ago I went out to meet with Johnnie and his wife, "Grace", to give information about our Hospice program. Johnnie was a very young eighty-seven year old. He wasn't ready for hospice, but wanted to know what our program was all about.

Johnnie owned a nearby retail store. Johnnie's son worked there full time. Every noon hour, Johnnie went over to the store to give his son a lunch break. Johnnie appeared so weak at the time, but helping out his son was that important to him.

One month later, I went back out to Johnnie's home to admit him to our hospice program. In that short period of time, Johnnie had declined to where he was so much weaker and had lost weight. His body had aged, but Johnnie still had that inner strength to continue to do those things he wanted to do. Johnny died a few weeks later with his family at his side.

Today I was given the Thank You card that Grace wrote to thank the hospice team for all the support. Her words brought tears to my eyes. I feel so grateful and pleasantly surprised that I made a difference in Johnnie's life. It doesn't get any better than that.

Driving home after work, I thanked God for letting me know to continue to do this blessed hospice work. The rewards are amazing. Yes, us hospice workers do give to others, but we so get it back a thousand fold. Thank you all.


DETERMINATION

We often get asked,
"How can you do hospice work?
It must be so depressing.
It has to be so hard."

I easily answer,
"It is so rewarding.
We meet wonderful people.
We get it back a thousand fold."

We all easily feel what comes in,
but do not normally know what we give out.
Hearing a "Thank you" is so humbling.
Often thinking not quite deserved.

She wrote a thank you note today.
Thanking the staff for all that they have done.
I was only out there two times,
but her words brought instant tears.

"You gave him the determination
to live every day he had left.
He continued to go to the store everyday;
up to the final ten days."

She was so grateful to what I had given him,
but her words have given me so much more.
Validation to continue to be where I need to be.
          Determination.