The hospice nurse and I went out to admit “Annie”, ninety-five, to hospice today. Annie had been doing quite well as her tough, positive personality, gave her the strength to struggle through no matter what challenges faced her.
Annie had such a positive outlook on life. She told her truth always, but in such a matter-of-fact way. Annie lived with her niece and cousin, who were her caregivers. Annie’s husband had been taking care of her, but twelve years ago, he died of a sudden heart attack. It was then when she moved in with her niece and cousin. Sadly, Annie’s only child, had died two years prior from cancer. Annie grieved those tremendous losses, but, on the other hand, accepts it as stated, “That is what life is all about; the good and the bad. I have learned to accept it all.”
Annie had a great sense of humor, but stated frustration in her recent, rapid decline. On the other hand, she then would praise her family members for always being there for her. I felt honored to have met her. She spoke her truth in such a loving way. I know she will also accept her decline with grace as that is who she so truly is.
NOT YET
Fighting poor health has made her strong.
She became diabetic at age twelve;
plus, underwent major heart surgery
when she was in her late twenties.
She has always had this amazing attitude;
accepting her life challenges when they arrived.
She’s had hard times like us all; but no matter what
her outlook always remains positive and sound.
Four weeks ago, her health took a dramatic turn.
She is sleeping a lot more; while eating a lot less.
She is so much weaker; no longer walking.
“I get so sore from sitting all day”.
She does get frustrated by all this dependency.
“My body is just giving up!
I feel like my body and organs
are all forgetting how to work!”
Seven months ago, she turned ninety-five.
When asked about her secret in growing old,
she strongly and convincingly said,
“Focus solely on the positives in life;
as that is all what so matters.”
She so believes that her recent decline
is telling her she’ll likely not see ninety-six.
She has no fears or concerns at all;
knowing that her time may be somewhat near,
“But, not yet!”
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