SPIRITUAL BELIEFS

I meet so many amazing people in my work at Hospice.  What I love the most with doing the admissions, is I get to hear wonderful stories and life legacies.  Most of us probably don’t think we have a story, as we feel we are just living our lives.  But; definitely, we all do have a story. 

We admitted, “Danny”, eighty=four years old, today to hospice.  Danny suffers from a cancer and had just recently finished with treatment.  His doctor told him this morning, that the treatment is no longer working and the cancer is slowly growing.  Two weeks ago, Danny had been living alone and managing his daily needs without much effort.  He took a fall two weeks ago and since that time is struggling with walking and managing his needs. 

Danny’s daughter, “Tina”, has moved in to help him.  When Tina told her father that hospice was coming this afternoon, he first rejected that idea.  Tina is becoming exhausted and spoke with her father about hiring attendant care.  That too, Danny strongly said “No!” 

I think Danny likely has been thinking about his no longer independent life.  He has been widowed fifteen years and has been living alone for all those years.  He has always cherished his independence.  The moment we walked in and started to explain the hospice program, Danny was so receptive.  He was receptive to hiring attendant care and to no longer pursue any treatment.  

Danny liked the support we gave to him, but more so loved our support to his daughter.  We always tell patients and families that they are the ones driving the train.  We do not come in and make rules.  I strongly encouraged patients and families to keep us informed about their needs. 

As we left, Danny thanked us so much for being there to give the support that is so needed.  Danny sees life pretty simple.  It is not complicated to him at all.  That works so well for him.  I wish he and his daughter the best.

SPIRITUAL BELIEFS 

 

I ask many questions when admitting to hospice.

“How are you sleeping; coping; any concerns?”

But by far, my favorite question of all is;

               “What are your spiritual beliefs?”

 

I hear amazing and varied answers

that so clearly identify one’s sacred belief.

We can’t prove our faith to be true,

but then, no one can ever prove it to be wrong.

 

Our spiritual beliefs give us strength.

It gives us purpose, a possible understanding.

It gives us some sense of the hereafter;

something to hold tight onto.

 

He had been living alone and managing,

but two weeks ago; all has changed.

Due to weakness, he can only walk a few steps.

He’s fallen twice no longer able to be left alone.

 

He identifies life in a straightforward manner.

It is not complicated at all to him.

When I asked him if he had any fears;

his answer, somehow, didn’t surprise me at all.

 

“I have no fears at all about afterlife.

I have outlived my shelf life.

You are born, you go to seed

          and that’s it”. 

 

Nothing more; nothing less.

His powerful spiritual beliefs

give him comfort; give him peace.

How can anyone say

                          he is wrong?