AT PEACE

“Drew”, forty-two, suffers from Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  Drew lives with his wife, “Nancy” and their two young sons; aged thirteen and eight.  Drew is now totally dependent with all of his needs.  He is paralyzed from the neck down and can only move his head.  Drew is alert & oriented and has totally accepted his situation and poor prognosis. 

When I walked into his home, I went up a few steps into the family room.  Drew was sitting there with his brother, “John”, who was visiting from out of state.  Drew gave me the biggest, most beautiful smile as I walked into the room.  One could feel the sincerest love he was giving with his greeting.  

Drew spoke very slowly and softly.  He was a bit hard to understand at times due to his muffled words.   John would lovingly translate.  The two brother’s humor showed up pretty quickly.  They would lovingly tease each other in such a fun way. 

What amazed me the most was Drew’s full acceptance of his situation.  He had no fears or concerns about his dying process or afterlife.  He was such a beautiful man.  I felt pure peace with him.  

On my way out of the home, I stopped and spoke with Drew’s eight year old son, “Mickey”.  I asked Mickey what he understood about what was happening to his dad.  Mickey said, “I know he is really sick.”  I then asked Mickey, “What do you do to take care of you?”  Mickey then loving said, “I bring water and a blanket to my dad.”  Mickey was only five when his father became ill.  It may likely be he does not remember his dad being healthy.  Mickey, like his father, has accepted his father’s illness in a natural way. 

This is an amazing family.  I believe I touched heaven in a small way today.  Thank you, Drew.

AT PEACE

 

He was living his dream life.

Running a business fixing motorbikes.

Racing motorcycles just for sport.

Life had handed him the best that could be.

 

Three years ago, his life dramatically changed

with a diagnosis of Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Now, paralyzed from the neck down.

Able only to pivot his head.

 

He was sitting there quietly in a recliner,

but his non-verbal greeting embraced the room.

I was immediately captured by his beautiful smile.

His heart and soul brilliantly shined.

 

His voice was soft and difficult to hear

as he spoke very slowly with muffled words.

He securely continued on a steady pace

                with an infinite patience.

 

He denied any fears about afterlife.

“Death is not the end.

It might be a dream

               It might be a real dream.”

 

I felt I was in a sacred environment.

His grace; his acceptance; his love.

Heaven has already deeply touched him

as he is at peace;

               at total peace.