GO HOME

In addition to doing hospice admissions, we also will do "Informational Visits", whereby we inform patients and families about our services. I like doing these type of visits as it gives folks information about our services. So often, people perceive hospice to be all about death and dying. Yes, a patient has to be terminal, but I truly believe hospice is more about loving and living.

"John", seventy-one, had been admitted to the hospital after a fall in his home. John lives alone with his four dogs and tripped over one of the dogs. We were informed by the hospital staff that he was down twelve hours, but John stated to us that it was over twenty-four hours. I am sure it felt like an eternity to him while he was down.

John had been gruff and angry to the staff as he just wanted to be able to return home. John was now bedridden and weak. When he told me that he wanted to go home, I asked him, " How will you be able to manage that?" He had no answer.

My voice became soft while I spoke with John. He, too, had this soft, gentle voice. So much had happened to him during his life. He coped the best way he knew how. John was exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. John never wanted to have children as he did not want them to become exposed. That information, to me, truly showed his heart.

I held his hand while I thanked him for serving in the Marines. I validated his military experience. That meant a lot to him I know because as I left I added, "I hope our paths will cross again some day." He answered softly, "Me too".

I believe the best thing I did for him was to acknowledge his service to our country. He truly is a perfect example of, "All gave some. Some gave all". God Bless you John.


GO HOME　

He's lived alone for years.
Just he and his four dogs.
Marines; Vietnam; Agent Orange; PTSD.
Life has not been easy for him.

He was just told his cancer has returned.
He knows that it's probably not long.
There is no one around to help care for him.
He is aware, but still wants to stay at home.

He fell and was down twelve hours.
He says it felt like it was days.
His friend finally came and found him.
He can't walk; no longer able to return home.

He's resigned himself to go to a nursing home
wishing to regain his strength.
Although knowing likely it may not happen,
he still has hope to be able to get back home.

His life is flowing a route he would never have chosen.
So much is going wrong.
He remains soft spoken and gentle while sharing,
          "I just want to be able to
                   Go Home."