STORY TELLER

The hospice nurse and I went out to admit “Johnny” to our Palliative Care program. Johnny lives alone in a Residential Care Facility. He is so healthy for one his age. Johnny will be one hundred and two in one week. He is totally alert and oriented and able to manage all of his needs.

Johnny pointed us to chairs gathered around his recliner. He then sat down and immediately started to share life stories. Johnny had a lot of them. All were so fascinating and interesting. He is a walking history book. He was so happy to be able to share his stories, not realizing how amazing each one was. He remembered so much detail. I was in awe by him.

He had a great sense of humor and portrayed his stories that same way. He had me laughing so hard. It was wonderful. When we were ready to leave, I felt a bit disappointed that I wouldn’t be seeing him again. Hmmm, maybe I can find a way to go back.


STORY TELLER　

The moment we walked in,
he started to share life stories.
His face lit up as he spoke,
so happy to have a listening audience.

When he was ten years old,
he shook Calvin Coolidge's hand.
He was motioned to a car in World War II.
Sitting inside and wanting to talk was JFK.

He was a veterinarian by trade.
He taught at the university near by.
He showed us a letter from Albert Schweitzer,
thanking him for caring for his dog.

He has traveled all over the world,
sharing fabulous stories about each site.
China, Japan, Chile, Australia.
Each with its own unique, extraordinary story.

He will be one hundred and two next week.
He invited me to his one hundred and third.
When asked, “What is your secret to a long life?”
While laughing, he answered; “You just continue to breath.”

His life reflections come so naturally to him;
not aware of how extraordinary or special at all.
I know he will continue to share all of them;
likely while celebrating his one hundred and third.

          Story Teller Extraordinaire.