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.
No comments:
Post a Comment