A FARMER

“Eddie”, eighty-five, came onto hospice today.  He was diagnosed with bile duct cancer just three months ago.  His cancer has already spread to other organs.  Eddie had been a farmer for over forty years.  He has strong beliefs about nature and spirituality.  Eddie is Korean with a clear understanding about his cultural beliefs.  He sees life simply by following those learned guidelines. 

Eddie does not speak English.  His daughter, “Kimmy”, translated for him.  Even though I did not understand what Eddie was saying, his tone struck me as it made his words so beautiful.  He had a strong belief about nature; which was so connected to his spirituality.  I so wish I spoke Korean as I know I could sit with him for hours just listening to his wisdom. 

As I got up to leave, I walked up to Eddie and attempted to simply let him know what a pleasure it was for the nurse and I to have met him.  He slowly said, while holding my hand, “Thank you for coming.”  It was so beautiful.  It also brought tears as he so deeply spoke from his heart.  His daughter lives on an almond ranch and the blooms are just starting to show.  I know he will one day soon have his photo taken under the almond blossoms. 

A FARMER

 

He was a farmer for many years.

He grew rice and sweet potatoes.

He was guided by the weather;

by the seasons; good soil.

 

It was perfect for him

as he lived his life the same way.

Guided by his cultural beliefs,

his religious teachings; his truth.

 

He was living his life to the fullest

guided by his belief in what was right.

He ate a healthy diet; drank plenty of fluids;

ran three to four miles each day.

 

All that changed three months ago

when he was diagnosed with metastatic cancer.

Family is seeing a weekly decline.

He is getting weaker; eating less;

         sleeping more.

 

Not surprisingly, he is following his beliefs.

He is realistic regarding his terminal prognosis.

He is not afraid to die; but will do it his way;

as again; guided by the seasons;

         the weather; the soil.

 

“I am waiting for the almonds to bloom.

I will then dress up in my best suit.

You will take a single photo of me

surrounded by the colorful blossoms.

         Then, I will be ready to die”.

 

It is not difficult for him at all.

He knows exactly what to do.

Being a farmer taught him well.

You plant; you grow; you prosper;

then when it is your time;

         You die.