SO MANY LOSSES

The hospice nurse and I went out to admit, "Lilly", eighty-one, to our hospice program. Lilly was just diagnosed with Lung Cancer one week ago. The doctors offered chemotherapy and radiation for treatment, but Lilly refused as she was also told her cancer was in the later stages.

Lilly easily verbalized her thoughts about life. She was so honest about everything. She totally lived her life her way. I so respected her as she embraced her life in such a positive way stating, "I have always had a positive look on life." Lilly's husband died many years ago of cancer. Her two children both died within the past five years also of cancer. I shared how losing one's child is so out of order. No parent should ever have to attend a child's funeral. It was then she shared so tenderly her amazing thoughts.

Lilly had a sense of humor along with also wanting to be in total charge of her life. Her granddaughter moved in to help care for her. Her granddaughter did inherit Grandma's genes as she, too, had strong, but beautiful thoughts and opinions.

I so admired Lilly for embracing each day of her life no matter what. She is such an accepting soul. She embraces her life while making decisions about what is best about it all. I told Lilly, "Keep being yourself. You do Lilly best." She is an amazing soul. I feel honored to have met her. What an inspiration!


SO MANY LOSSES　

She was just diagnosed one week ago.
Chemo and radiation were offered,
but her cancer is critical and has spread
so she has chose to go home on hospice.

She wants no treatment or tests,
but wishes for what quality of life she has left.
She looks at her life with positive eyes.
She has totally accepted her terminal fate.

I asked her about any fears or concerns.
"I am used to having cancer around me as
it has fully engulfed my family.
My husband and two kids are already gone."

"I have strong beliefs in God and his heaven.
I know we will all be together again one day.
I am okay for now for them to be gone.
I wouldn't want them back here to suffer."

She has an amazing spirit.
She honestly spoke her truth to us.
She has lived her life so wonderfully her way.
I strongly believe, without any doubt,
          her dying will be the same.