THIS IS WHY

As hospice workers, we frequently may get asked on how can we do what we do.  So often folks can only relate to hospice on a personal level.  They know the strong grief and emotions that accompany them when a loved one is dying.  

Yes, I have moments of sadness or grief now and then.  But mostly, I am amazed.  Amazed on how folks are coping; how folks are grieving.  I often will state to patients and families, “This is not what you expected in life, but cream does rise to the top.”  I see so much love in homes.  It is so clear to me that that is what life is all about; “It is not what is in your life, but who is in your life.” 

No one does life well alone.  We all so heartfully need each other.  Often when one asks me how I can do what I do, I speak from my heart. “I receive it back a thousand-fold.”  I feel so honored to be invited into a home.  Always being thanked catches me off guard as I want to thank them for allowing me to just be there. 

When I am called an angel, it honors me.   To me that is the highest compliment of all.  It is humbling, along with telling me that I am absolutely in the right place.  My true thoughts are, “When this becomes work, then I know it will be time to quit!”  Not yet.

THIS IS WHY

 

She was discharged home today

after a short hospital stay.

She expressed a strong desire

not to pursue any further treatment.

 

She is so comfortable with her decision;

as clearly stated, “I am at peace”.

She has a strong belief in Heaven

knowing she’ll again be with her husband;

               her parents; her sister.

 

We offered comfort, we offered support

validating her beliefs; her choices.

Her daughter’s focus was doing things Mom’s way.

She totally accepted her mother letting go.

 

We acknowledged the daughter’s unconditional love

confirming to her that it is the best gift of all.

“It so says a lot about you as her daughter,

while also saying a lot about your mother.”

 

I do believe in Karma.

What goes around does come back around.

She thanked us so beautifully about our support;

knowing she can contact hospice around the clock.

 

She solemnly then turned to me and asked,

“While wearing that shirt,

how do you hide your wings?

               You are truly an angel!”

 

She gave me the greatest compliment of all.

As to me, it gets no better than being called an angel.

But then, likely, I may be Clarence,

               still attempting to earn my wings.

 

We often get asked,                                                                           

“How can you do what you do?”                                                       

It truly is not that complicated

as gracefully stated by one grateful daughter.                                                                     

             This is why.                                                                 

                          This is so simply why.