CHOCOLATE

“Steve” just turned seventy-seven one week ago.  Steve is single and never married.  His only family is his niece, “Holly”.  Steve was separated from his family at birth.  Holly found him eight years ago.  Since that time, the two have been so close.  Steve’s health has been a challenge at times, but Holly has been faithfully by his side. 

Steve rents a bedroom in a rooming house.  There are five tenants living with him.  All have some special health needs and are limited in how much they are able to help each other.  Steve has been in a recent decline these past few months.  He walks with a walker while mostly staying in his room.  

We went out two days ago to admit him to hospice as Steve stopped his dialysis three days prior.  Holly met us there with her white paper bag full of chocolate for Uncle Steve.  It was such a pleasure seeing the joy on his face as he enjoyed eating the candy.  Steve had taken a fall earlier in the day and told us that he thinks he broke a toe.  When the nurse looked at his foot, it was hugely swollen.  

We encouraged Holly to call 911 to get his foot examined.  Due to the pain and it being so swollen, Steve was not able to walk at all.  It was not safe for Steve to remain in his rooming home.  We found out this morning that Holly did call an ambulance to examine her uncle’s foot. In addition, she also told the hospital staff that he wasn’t safe to return home.  Steve was admitted for nursing home placement.  We received a phone call from Holly today, letting us know that Uncle Steve died this morning.  We all knew he likely only had a week or two, but were still surprised. 

My first thought was about his niece Holly and how her love, comfort and chocolate gave Uncle Steve profound love and support.  Unconditional love is the greatest gift of all.

CHOCOLATE

 

He was separated from his family at birth.

He has been a loner; living mostly by himself;

until his niece found him eight years ago.

They’ve had a close relationship ever since.

 

We met him just two days ago.

He is living in a boarding home.

His niece visits him routinely.

Her focus is to help; to take care of him.

 

He recently stopped his dialysis

knowing he needs it to live.

He is done; he wants no more,

“I am so tired of all of this”.

 

He smiled at his niece while asking,

“Did you bring me any chocolate?”

She handed him a bag filled with his favorites:

               Babe Ruth and Hershey’s.

 

He started to eat them with such pleasure;

leaving just a few in the bag for later.

Each bar gave him such comfort.

His face reflecting a remarkable glow.

 

It is indeed the small things that are profound.

We need each grain of sand to make a beach;

each drop of water to create an amazing waterfall;

each bar of chocolate to give incredible delight.

 

She gave her uncle unconditional love;

just by being there and loving him.

In addition, she also gave him the greatest gift

in such a small, beautiful, white paper bag,

               Chocolate!!!