SPIRIT

From the moment I became a social worker, I have naturally let go prior to walking into a hospital room or a patient's home. I allow the visit to flow where it naturally flows. Quite often, when there is an emotional moment, thoughts just pop into my head. I truly believe it is from above with my spirit guiding me. I trust these sudden thoughts, even though often it may not be my words. Whenever I do, it is always the perfect words. I feel it is not me, but guidance from above.

We admitted, "Amanda" ninety-two today. She suffered a major stroke one week ago. She is now imminent with her death likely in 1-2 days. Amanda can no longer speak but, although sleepy, totally understands and is aware and oriented. She has three amazing and loving children who were all at the bedside.

Amanda is in a nursing home as was working with physical therapy after her stroke. She could not participate with the therapist due to her tremendous weakness. Her children escorted the hospice nurse and I into her room. All of the children and their spouses were there comforting her with their words and stroking her arms.

I went up to Amanda to say hi and spoke about her children and what a wonderful job she did raising all of them. I then continued, "It is okay for you to fly over to the other side when you are ready. We will follow up to support your children as needed." Those were so not my words. I have never used the term, "Fly over" before. She could not verbally respond but I know she heard me as she softly cried.

Later when meeting with the three children and their spouses in a conference room, Amanda's son brought up the words I used, "When you fly over to the other side." He said those were the perfect words to say to his mother. It always surprises me, but also humbles me as it is the other side that helps me to support a family.

During that same meeting, I was guided again by my spirit when talking with Amanda's daughter. Her words touched me so deeply. I will continue to trust my spirit and hopefully will always be able to channel guidance from above.

SPIRIT　

When meeting new people
either in the hospital or in their home,
I have always just naturally let go
allowing the visit to spiritually flow.

It happened again today.
I was guided from above.
My spirit spoke loud and clear
giving me the words to share.

This family’s love flowed so strongly
to their mother and to each other.
They spoke their beautiful words so softly
while tenderly stroking her arms.

Their grief was so evident,
by their stories and their tears.
There was laughter with the stories
while love fully absorbed the room.

While speculating about the afterlife,
her daughter shared her grief through tears.
My own out-of-body experience then popped into my head.
A gentle guidance from my spirit above.

I shared my story of five years ago
when her tears again began to flow.
“You have helped me more than you will ever know.
        I cannot thank you enough.”

Spirit guides me in ways I may not have chosen.
I must dutifully remember, and never forget,
to always and forevermore
          trust spirit to guide me   
                   with its divine, natural flow.

ALWAYS HALF FULL

The hospice nurse and I went out to meet seventy-three year old, "Bette". Bette suffers from lung disease. In addition, she has numerous other chronic illnesses. Bette has been divorced for "many, many years" and has three children. None of her children ever come around and visit her. She has been estranged from them for years.

Bette lives with a live-in caretaker, "Jan". It is so obvious from the moment you meet the two of them how much they care for each other. Jan is right by Bette's side whenever she needs help. Bette is slowly declining and needing more and more help as time goes by. Bette is aware of her decline and knows that her time is limited. Her primary focus is getting a bit stronger in order to take a few steps into her recliner from her hospital bed. Her doctor has ordered Home Care to come out and have a Physical Therapist work with Bette. The Physical Therapist is scheduled through next week. Bette's insurance will not pay for hospice while Home Care is coming out as will only cover one benefit at a time.

I have a strong feeling that Bette will call us to come onto hospice once Home Care has ended. She does qualify for our program, but first her primary focus is to be able to sit in her recliner. She was so happy that we were there for her to share her life stories with us. I was so impressed at her beautiful, positive attitude. That upbeat personality is a strong reason that she is able to wake up each morning with a smile on her face. I wish her the best.


ALWAYS HALF FULL
　
No matter what her life brings,
she sees it all in such a positive way.
She'll tell you that her glass is never empty,
but always, continually half full.

Her health has dramatically crippled her,
leaving her dependent with all of her needs.
Her children never come around.
She hasn't seen them for more than fifteen years.

She'll share her stories; her difficult times,
but then quickly will disclose her blessings;
the people in her life; her strong Christian faith.
Letting you know her glass is indeed half full.

She wants the strength to get into her recliner,
but can only sit on the side of her bed.
Physically Therapy is coming for one more week.
She hopes that's enough to get into her comfy chair.

Her needs are slowly increasing; she requires more help.
Her live-in caretaker is indeed her best friend.
She has no fears about dying,
          but is content at how things are.

She'll then present you with a great big smile,
letting you know that yes,
her glass is always and forever,
          at least half full.