HER FAITH

I received a call from the hospice office asking if I could stop by a Board and Care home to meet up with a patient's sister. Hospice received an urgent referral to admit, "Jennie" to our program. Jennie's sister, ""Michele" was waiting for me at the facility.

Jennie was being discharged from the hospital late this afternoon. She had suffered a major stroke and was now unresponsive and likely had only hours to a few days to live. I met Michele as we sat in Jennie's room at the Board and Care Home. Jennie was not yet discharged from the hospital.

Initially I asked Michele if she had any questions before I spoke about hospice support and our program. It was then she spoke about her family. She said her mother had eleven children; of which now only six are still alive. Her mother died at age 46 from blood clots and a stroke. She told me that Jennie was a widow as her husband died young over twenty years ago.

While sharing her family's story, she was very unemotional and accepting. We spoke about the tremendous number of losses she and her family shared. I then asked her, "What helps you cope through such difficult times?" Her face lit up as she started to talk about her Mormon faith. It was a beautiful thing to witness the amazing strength and guidance she received from her faith.

None of us can go through life alone. We all need support through times when life challenges us the most. Michele is such a perfect example of how important it is to never feel alone. I wish Michele the best.


HER FAITH　

She spoke about her family
and all of the losses they shared.
So many from blood clots and strokes.
A lineage history hard not to ignore.

She was one of eleven children.
Now, there is only six.
By next week, her sister will be gone.
Leaving only five to remain.

She was precise and realistic;
while aware of her sister's fate.
Not much emotion in her voice.
Not being surprised at all.

I spoke about grief, loss and sorrow;
wanting to normalize her pain.
She declined all of the support offered,
          "I am going to be okay".

She then spoke about her Mormon beliefs.
How her faith is all that she needs.
Her face lit up when she shared;
"It has, and forever will,
          help me through life's tough times."

She is fortunate to have such strong beliefs.
Her devotion helps her to remain strong.
She is, and always will be, surrounded by
          her loving family and friends;
                   but most of all
                            her amazing and strong,
                                     deep faith.