HER GOODBYE

"Mona", eighty years old, was admitted to hospice several weeks ago. Mona has three children and seven grandchildren. Mona lives with her adult granddaughter, "Jessica". Also residing in the home is Jessica's husband and their two young children.

Jessica has been her Grandmother's primary caregiver since she became ill several years ago. Mona had been managing her lung disease and life fairly independently until about two months ago. Mona started to become weak and a bit wobbly on her feet. As Mona's needs increased, so did Jessica's help.

Mona and Jessica have an amazing relationship. They both have the same values and beliefs about life. It is all about loving your family and supporting them their individual way.

Several of the family members are in denial and do not believe that Mona may be dying. Denial is such a powerful coping mechanism as it allows one to cope in baby steps. It can help one process a situation slowly in order to come to terms with it. Upon seeing Mona today, she appears imminent. She likely only has a few days at most.

When Jessica shared her Grandmother's last words to me, I got goose bumps. In the end, that sums up so perfectly what life is all about.


HER GOODBYE　

She and Grandma have always been close.
They share years of many special moments.
But as they both truly believe, the best part is;
their love for each other is unconditional.

She would do anything for Grandma
as Grandma has always felt the same.
Now that Grandma is ill and needing help,
she is one-hundred percent by her side.

Grandma's disease is progressing.
She doesn't have much time.
Her family is rallying around; giving support.
"Just how can one tell her goodbye."

Attempting to capture years of memories
with only a few precious words to use.
"Thank you Grandma, for all that you have done;
doesn't quite capture the significance of it all."

Grandma is no longer eating or drinking.
It is extremely hard to find her awake.
In her recent past, she has strongly told her family,
"Just make sure you keep me home."

Grandma is in her dying process.
Maybe only hours to a few days is all.
Yesterday she tenderly told her Granddaughter;
"If I die, always remember I love you."

Her final words
          Her final, beautiful goodbye.