TEAM WORK

 “Tony”, sixty-seven, was diagnosed with his cancer two years ago.  He underwent treatment to no avail.  His cancer continued to grow and spread.  Tony lived with his daughter, “Annie”, who was his primary caregiver.  Annie was devoted to her father.  She put her life on hold to lovingly care for him. 

Tony has been a fighter during the course of his illness, but recently he came to terms with his poor prognosis.  Two days ago, he told his daughter and family, “I am ready to go.”  Annie said that her father sharing his true emotions, gives her peace.  The family then expressed that they have been talking about hospice for several weeks, but Tony wasn’t yet ready for that.  

Tony has stopped eating and is drinking very little.  His family sadly knows he is imminent with death likely in hours to only a few days at most.  Tony’s two-month-old granddaughter will be visiting tonight.  He has not yet seen or met her.  Their flight lands in a few hours.  His family is hoping he will hold on until after she arrives with her parents; his son and daughter-in-law. 

There were many extended family members present in the home.  The family is truly rallying around Tony.  I spent a few moments with Tony’s Mother, “Angela”.  Angela amazed me with her strong faith.  When I asked her how she is coping with all of this, she beautifully stated, “I have told God I am handing my son over to him.  Tony’s work is done here on Earth.”  

One could feel the love upon entering the home.  So often family members worry about what they need to do.  They want to do things right.  I told this family, “The best gift of all is unconditional love and all of you are sharing that gift with Tony and each other.  It doesn’t get any better than that.”   It is such a honor to have witnessed their pure love.  Life is truly not that complicated.  Who is in your life is the most precious gift of all.  

ADDENDUM:  Tony died peacefully eighteen hours after our visit.  He was able to meet his new granddaughter before he let go.    

TEAM WORK

 

He’s been ill for many months.

He’s kept fighting, hoping to get better.

Yesterday all that changed,

“I want to stay home. I am ready.”

 

He has stopped eating any solid food;

although is drinking water and a little tea.

He is bedridden with “zero strength”.

Likely only now has a day or two.

 

His brand-new granddaughter is coming.

Their flight lands early tonight.

They are hoping he is strong enough

to meet her before he lets go.

 

We completed a POLST.

A legal document stating no resuscitation.   

Don’t call 911, call hospice.

He wants to die naturally in comfort at home.

 

It needed a doctor’s signature to complete.

Five minutes back into the office, I had her sign it.

The hospice nurse called another co-worker for help.

He took the POLST quickly back out;

displaying it clearly on their refrigerator.

 

Our night nurse will visit later this evening;

giving additional support to the grieving family.

Hospice is all about comfort care, heart, compassion.

But truly, what makes it shine the brightest is

          Team Work.