HIS NEEDS

"Don", eighty-three, suffered a major stroke one week ago. He is now wheelchair bound and needing assistance with all of his activities of daily living. Fortunately, he lives in an Assisted Living Facility where there is full time care. Don is widowed and has one son, "Vince", who lives locally. Vince visits his father frequently and is very supportive and involved.

While we were completing the hospice paperwork, Vince shared his father's life story. It was fascinating. When I told Vince how courageous it was for his father to emigrate to America, Vince stated, "If not, he would have been killed."

It always astounds me of how frequently I hear these amazing stories. We all have stories, but because it is us just living our life, we often don't see them as amazing. I so love hearing them. It is such a reminder of how so many of us living on the same planet have legendary lives.


HIS NEEDS　

He was born and raised in Vietnam.
His life was full of achievement.
He had a lovely family; a beautiful home.
All that he would ever need.

He was a Senator; he was an Ambassador.
He had input in how things should be.
He was well known and respected
for his persuasive influence in doing the right thing.

Forty-five years ago, he had to suddenly leave.
The Communists were invading; running amok.
He lost his home and all of his possessions.
There was nothing left to save.

His life was in danger; he had to move fast
to protect himself and all of his family.
He drove his Toyota into the river; tossing his keys.
He didn’t want them to get everything.

He made it to America.
He began a new life.
His family safely again by his side.
It was then he fully realized that
          he still had
                   all that he would ever need.