AVE KAYLA

“Kayla” called our hospice office wanting to arrange a home visit in order to learn about hospice support.  Kayla lives with her parents and her younger sister in a very large two-story home.  Kayla was diagnosed with diabetes when she was twelve.  It was at that time when she started to require insulin as well.  

Two years ago, Kayla’s kidneys failed and she needed dialysis.  She has been on home dialysis since that time.  Kayla has always followed her doctor’s orders and advice, but still her health continued to be impacted.  In the past two years, she has had two amputations leaving her in constant pain which is wearing her down.  Two months ago, when her doctor recommended one more amputation, she knew then, she wanted no more. 

She has totally accepted her life and her health challenges.  She knows it is close to her time to let go.  She has been talking with her parents and her two siblings in such a clear and realistic way.  She is able to so clearly express her truth and emotions.  She has no regrets or anger.  “It is what it is.  God will take me when it is my perfect time.”   She wants to live to be able to attend her nephew’s fifth birthday in two weeks.  The following day, she plans on stopping her dialysis; knowing then her life will be shortened to only a few weeks at most. 

She has this clear understanding about life and about death and is able to so naturally talk about it.  She speaks in such a soft, gentle voice.  It was so beautiful.  I know that I met a saint today; so full of God’s grace.   She is at peace as she embraces love, family and faith.

AVE KAYLA

 

Because she’s been on insulin for so many years,

it’s normal for her to monitor her health.

Two years ago, she started dialysis.

Her kidneys were no longer functioning.

 

She is so authentic regarding her health.

She recognizes life as so real.

She’ll thoroughly think about the options;

then chooses what is best for her.

 

Because of kidney failure, she’s had two amputations.

Two months ago, the doctor said, “One more.”

It was then she truly knew what to do;

“I will know when to stop dialysis.”

 

She is in so much pain; it never goes away.

She is also needing so much more help.

“Pain pills give me brain fog.

Food no longer tastes good at all.”

 

“I am done; I am not sad.

I have many happy moments.

I’m ready for it all to be over.

         I am at peace.”

 

She wants her family to understand

as she explains her reasons why.

She is unquestionably wise beyond her years.

         Amazingly, she is only forty-five.

 

I know from deep in my heart

that I truly met a saint today.

A pure spirit; a gracious soul.

         Ave Kayla