SIMPLE LIFE

I met with "Steve" today to admit him to our hospice program. Steve is fifty-one years old, but looks twenty years older secondary to his past history of drugs. He lives in his car which he parks in a parking lot near the local soup kitchen; where he gets three meals a day.

Steve has a cousin, "Ted", who lives nearby in a very small apartment with his family. Ted is very devoted and attentive to Steve. The two are very close. Steve has no other family, but has a very large network of friends, who visit him frequently in the parking lot. Steve says that is what helps him cope.

Steve has such a positive attitude about life as focuses on who is in his life and not what others may think he is missing. He totally accepts his life situation as tries not to think about his cancer diagnosis and poor prognosis. Steve's heart shines so brightly as he embraces the good in his life while trying not to think about his disease and how strongly it does impact his life.

In our society, wealth is measures by possessions and monetary value, but I truly believe Steve is a millionaire with all the love and support he receives from his cousin and so many friends. His beautiful smile loudly embraces all that he has


SIMPLE LIFE　

Upon first meeting him,
you know he's had it rough.
His clothes are dirty; he needs a shave.
Looking much older than his fifty-one years.

He admits to using drugs in the past.
That addiction closed so many accessible doors.
The only vice left for him is cigarettes.
Now cancer has invaded his bones.

He has such a positive attitude about life.
His spirit shines through his heart.
"I treat others how I want to be treated."
It doesn't get much simpler than that.

His income is so low, he cannot afford to rent.
He lives in his twenty-four year old car.
He parks it near the local Soup Kitchen
where he always will get a tasty hot meal.

He has many friends who stop by to say "Hello."
That's what helps him cope with life's misfortunes.
When talking about his cancer and his poor prognosis;
          "I try not to think much about it."

He smiles easily appreciating the positives in his life.
He focuses on what he has; his family; his friends.
He accepts living in his sedan with so few possessions.
After all, he also totally accepts and welcomes what he has;
          A Simple Life.