LIFE'S JOURNEY

I am so confident that we all have our own individual journeys. All of use the tools that help us cope. My years of work with hospice patients has taught me so much. One of the most obvious lessons to me is how random life can be. So many folks want an answer as to why they or a loved one have a terminal diagnosis. We all are logical beings and want a direct answer; to which there is none.

Quite often a patient will evaluate their life and remember all of those things they said or did wrong. None of us are immune to those experiences. I see those moments as important events that teach us and help us grow.

“Patricia”, was born three days after I was. I noticed her birth date while looking at her paperwork before leaving the office to drive to her home to do the Admission Visit. It made me stop and think about how blessed I am to have good health. After meeting her, I connected with her on so many levels. Her humor was quite like my humor. She made me laugh so easily. I also understood her anger surrounding her because of her cancer diagnosis.. Anger can often be a major emotion of the grieving process.

Driving away from her home, I felt so blessed and fortunate to not be experiencing the stress and troubles that Patricia was facing. Hospice patients teach me to embrace this moment as that is all that any of us have. No one truly knows when it is their last day here on Earth. I have learned to embrace each and every one. Patricia, like so many of my patients, is my teacher. She is such a strong reminder for all of us to cherish every moment. Thank you Patricia.


LIFE'S JOURNEY　

She was diagnosed just one year ago.
She's been through chemotherapy to no avail.
Her cancer has now spread to other organs.
She came onto hospice services early today.

She is so angry about all of this.
"I didn't smoke; I didn't drink.
I did everything right in my life.
Why is this happening to me?"

Our logical selves want an answer
to which there is not one to give.
She is not being punished; it's not her fault.
It is just a random act without boundaries.

Her humor pulled me in.
It gives her an uplifting view.
"I am trying to see the positive side.
My family is here; so are my friends."

She was straight forward and direct.
She clearly spoke her truth.
She shared stories about her supportive family;
appreciating them all the more.

I connected with her on many levels.
I understood her anger; her frustration about it all.
How she so easily used her humor to cope.
In so much of her, I so subtlety saw me.

I was born three days before her.
It stopped me in my tracks.
How blessed I am to have good health;
as it so easily
          could of been me.