THEIR FINAL GOODBYE

"Elizabeth", ninety-one, suffered from Alzheimer's Disease for years. She was widowed and resided in an Assisted Living Complex. Elizabeth needed help with all of her activities of daily living.

I met Elizabeth several months ago when we admitted her to our hospice program. The facility had the policy of leaving the resident's room doors open. A black cat lived in the facility and spent many hours in Elizabeth's room. Throughout the Admission Visit, the cat slept on Elizabeth's lap. Elizabeth found pure joy having that cat nearby.

Elizabeth was so adorable as she would try to keep up with the conversation around her. She struggled due to her forgetfulness; but even then, she had an easy smile.

Elizabeth died peacefully three days ago. I called Elizabeth's daughter, "Cynthia" to offer condolences. The words Cynthia used to describe her mother's final moments were beautiful. That special moment spoke loudly about how wonderful a person Elizabeth was and how well she raised her three children. It was a beautiful reflection upon all of them.


THEIR FINAL GOODBYE

She was a good mom.
She raised the three of them so well
That's why they were there by her side
to say their final goodbye.

She had been ill for quite a while,
although her decline had been slow.
Confusion and forgetfulness came first;
little by little slowing her down.

She was always in a good mood.
Not much made her sad.
No matter how dependent she became,
she always had a quick smile for all.

Her daughter was holding her hand.
All three were "clustered around".
"It was a real touching moment
when she took her final breath."

They found peace; they found comfort.
"It was the best experience you could have.
A real touching moment.
          All the love was there".

Her disease process took years.
A very slow decline.
In the end, "It happened pretty quickly".
Finding beauty in the sadness of
          Their Final Goodbye.