YES

I have done hospice work for over eighteen years.  The rewards of this work are amazing.  I meet so many wonderful patients and families.  Hospice’s philosophy is to allow the patient to do things their own unique way.  Dying is such an individual experience.  The large part of the Social Work role is to validate, normalize and paraphrase emotions, feelings and statements.  Hospice staff come with knowledge and support, but the most priceless give we bring is our caring hearts. 

Most of us easily see kindness and love that comes to us, but we, so often, do not recognize the love and kindness we hand out to another.  I am so honored to meet so many beautiful people.  Families know that I care, because my heart deepens upon meeting someone struggling with a terminal diagnosis. 

This family that I met today, has experienced so many losses in their life.  The patient, “Elisa”, eighty-one, had nine children.  Four of her children have preceded her in death.  Elisa, and herd family, have a very strong Christian faith that supports and guides them.  The patient’s surviving children all live nearby.  They are all so involved and supportive to their mother and so lovingly to each other. 

I received the gift of being present and witnessing such love.  The patient’s words about life were so beautiful.  That, along with the daughter’s kind words to me, so clearly is why I continue with my hospice work.  I tell others, “When this becomes work, then I will know to quit.”  Right now, is so strongly to me a YES to continue.  And that I will.

YES 

 

All of us cope so individually.

We follow our path as guided.

What is right for one of us,

may not work for another at all.

 

She is two months older than me;

making me aware of my life’s blessings;

as she has struggled with cancer

since her diagnosis just three years ago.

 

She has totally accepted it all;

her decline and her dependence.

She embraces the love that surrounds her,

thanking her family each and every day.

 

She denied any fears or concerns.

Her strong Christian faith helps her cope.

“If God gives me life, I will live.

If not, then there no longer is any support.”

 

Her daughter spoke of fears about death.

I counseled on loss and anticipatory grief.

I spoke about other family’s experiences;

including a few stories of my own.

 

Her reply gave me gracious tears.

“After talking with you today,

my fear of death is totally gone.

My mother’s spirit will always be around.”

 

These beautiful gifts always amaze me.

This patient taught me grace with total acceptance;

while her daughter, gave me deepest thanks for my words.

This is why I continue to do my special work.

             Yes, it truly is.