TOMATO FARMER

The hospice nurse and I admitted, "Will", ninety-seven to our hospice program today. Will had been hospitalized from a fall last month. He was now in a skilled nursing home as no longer able to return home. Will never married and has no family or children. Will has a very large extended group of true friends who love him as much as he loves them.

Will's closest friend, "Brenda", is very involved in his care and daily needs. The hospice nurse and I went out to meet with Will and Brenda. Will asked that we speak with Brenda without him as he was so weak. The three of us went to a meeting room at the facility to educate Brenda about hospice support and philosophy.

Brenda was about thirty years younger than Will, but lovingly shared that he always called her "Sweetheart". Brenda lived on the farm next to Will's Tomato Farm. After we were done with all of the paperwork, we went back to Will's room. I wanted to ask if he had any questions, fears or concerns. It was then when he shared how appreciative he has been of his life, "I've had a good life." I asked him about tomato farming. His face totally lit up and he eagerly shared his life as a tomato farmer.

Will's upbeat attitude helped him throughout his life in such a positive, loving way. "You are an inspiration, Will. I am so blessed to have met you!"


TOMATO FARMER　

He's never been married.
He has no kids.
No family to call his own.
He has lived ninety-seven
         autonomous years.

He is very friendly.
He loves to socialize.
He' s been a lifelong tomato farmer.
Living his passion; his dream.

He took a fall one month ago.
He was down and alone for half a day.
Not able to receive any help
until a friend stopped by just to say hi.

I asked him about farming tomatoes.
His eyes lit up while sharing his stories.
His passion and love was running his farm.
He was excited to disclose it all.

He's always been in charge of his life.
Now, that control is gone.
He is ready for it to be over,
although so thankful for the life he has had.

"I've had a good life.
I have no regrets.
It is now my time to go.
          I am not afraid.
                   I am done."