BELIEFS

The hospice nurse and I went out today to admit, “Edward”, to our hospice program.  Edward is eighty-seven and was recently hospitalized for cardiac disease.  He has been in a recent decline to where he is bedridden, confused and dependent with all ADLs.    Ed lives with his daughter, “Brenda”, who is his primary caretaker. 

Brenda and I sat down in the living to talk about hospice support.  Part of the admission process is to ask patients and families about any spiritual beliefs.  I love asking this question as when one answers, I hear their strong beliefs which quite often gives them tremendous support.  I truly have confidence that we all do believe in what works for us.   For example, if you are an Atheist, that is your belief and spirituality that works for you.  I hear such a variety of answers, never two the same.  It is fascinating.  

Spirituality, no matter what anyone believes, is always such a tremendous inner belief that holds strong to all of us.  Brenda was no different on how her spirituality was so supportive to her.  Her words were so amazing to me.  Her simple statement was so profound.  Thank you Brenda, for those amazing words.

BELIEFS 

I ask a lot of questions upon meeting

new patients and their families.

My role is to help them cope;

support them through their journey.

 

My favorite question to ask is,

“Do you have any spiritual beliefs?”

Quite often I hear guilt as they confess,

“I don’t go to church anymore.”

 

I then typically will genuinely state,

“Religion is spiritual, but spirituality

is so much more than that.

It is what you strongly believe

that may have nothing to do with church”.

 

Her father came onto hospice today.

With his dementia, he cannot truly say

when she asks; “Are you okay with God?”

She has peace as he prays each night.

 

We all believe what works for us.

No one can say we are wrong.

It gives us hope; it gives us peace.

So perfectly, it is our truth; our support.

 

When I asked her about her beliefs;

she said she was spiritual but not religious.

Softy tapping her chest, she said,

“There is a Pilot Light in there”.

         I have hope.”