I SO BELIEVE

I was asked to deliver some supplies to a patient’s home. When I arrived at the home, family was holding vigil. The patient was in a deep sleep and appeared comfortable. The patient’s niece, “Monica”, said that her aunt had not eaten or taken in any fluids for several days. The patient appeared imminent.

Monica didn’t know what to say to her aunt when she was asked, “What can I do?” That was when I gave her some advice about several things to share with her aunt. Monica and I spent about thirty minutes talking about end-of-life, coping and grieving. This is a very large family. They were all supportive to the patient and to each other. It was a beautiful thing to see.

I so believe that Monica did speak with her aunt right after I left as I found out later that the patient died thirty minutes after my departure. This is something I hear about quite frequently. I cannot prove it to be true at all, but I so believe it is. That is the beauty of the heart and the soul.


I SO BELIEVE 　

I went out to only deliver supplies.
I found family holding vigil.
She's no longer eating or drinking.
They all know her time is near.

She said her aunt has no fears
but wonders why it is taking so long.
Her Native American beliefs give her comfort.
          "She is so ready to go."

She asked her niece, "What can I do?"
Her niece didn't know what to say.
I offered, "Tell her to just let go.
She'll know when her time is right."

Surrounded by her family,
thirty minutes later, she was gone.
She clearly heard her niece's words.
She knew they would be okay.

This is a frequent occurrence.
Expressions of love at the bedside.
Patients are unconscious, or so it seems,
but then their spirit; their soul clearly hears.

They are reassured by their loved ones words.
They know it is their time to go.
The depths of love and comfort surround them.
I can’t prove it while another may deny it,
          but all of this
                   I so believe.