AN ANGEL

 “Jonathan”, forty-seven, was diagnosed six years ago with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).  Jonathan lives with his wife and two young children; ages five and eleven.  Jonathan is paralyzed from the neck down; only able to move his head.  He struggles with talking due to weakness.  Jonathan uses humor to cope and had me laughing from the start.  He would smile so deeply when I would laugh.  He loved it. 

I have seen him several times over the past several months.  He is becoming weaker.  He no longer is able to talk and focuses his eyes on a computer screen to type his thoughts.  He has accepted his terminal prognosis and is so realistic about it all.  Because of his computer setup, it helps him communicate a bit more.  He has shared with his hospice nurse, “I am alive, but I am not living.”   

 

His humor while making others laugh give him pleasure.  Jonathan has written to me, “If I don’t laugh, I will cry”.  He is doing what he needs to do to lift his spirits.  Jonathan has tremendous support from his family and numerous friends.  One can feel the love in the home.  He is surely one very special human being.  I deeply know that I will never forget him.  He truly is an angel. 

AN ANGEL 

 

I first met him five months ago. 

Much too young to be so sick. 

Paralyzed from the neck down. 

Suffering from Lou Gehrig’s Disease. 

 

He had me laughing from the start. 

His humor sarcastic, yet so funny, 

while totally accepting his fate saying, 

“If I don’t laugh, I will surely cry.” 

 

He grabs his strength from way deep inside.  

Naturally knowing what it is all about. 

It is like he’s done this before; but knowing he’s not. 

He profoundly has so deeply touched my soul. 

 

I have felt and have strongly believed for a while 

that he truly is divine; he is an angel. 

Seeing him today; knowing it may be my last time, 

I felt a strong need to let him know how I feel. 

 

“I have met many wonderful people in my line of work. 

So many who were loving; gracious and special like you. 

Two of those of whom I have met; I know; were angels. 

               “Jonathan, you are number three.” 

 

“I hope our life’s paths cross again. 

But if not, I will never, ever, forget you. 

You teach all of us so much about life; about beauty. 

But then, you can always make me laugh”. 

 

He gave me the most beautiful smile. 

A gracious memory etched forever in my heart. 

Yes, Jonathan, you are, without a doubt 

               An angel.