FIFTY MINUTES

Four weeks ago, I admitted “Rosa” to hospice.  Rose was eighty-two and had been widowed for many years.  She had one son, “John”, who lived with her; along with his two teenage daughters.  Due to the pandemic, John worked out of the home which made him available to help his mom as needed. 

As Rose’s assigned Social Worker was off for a few days, she asked if I could call John to check in as he never answers his phone.  It has been a challenge for her to connect with John in order to support he and his mom as needed. 

There are five hospice social workers and two of them were off today.  We are a very close and supportive group.  All of us are willing to help each other out as needed.  I had about six other calls to make for the two absent social workers.  My instinct let me know that it was okay to call John last on my list. 

Fortunately, John did pick up the phone.  My conversation with him amazed me.  I called at the perfect time.  I truly know that I was guided from above.  The call and timing were so spiritual.  This is such a perfect example of what hospice gives back to all of us who are blessed to do this amazing work. 

FIFTY MINUTES

 

It was just one month ago

when I first met her and her son.

It was when we admitted her to hospice

as her disease had definitely taken control.

 

She lived with her son and his two teens

in her spacious home near the river.

He worked out of the home so was always nearby

to help whenever a need arose.

 

Their Social Worker asked if I could call her son                           

as he seldom answered the phone.

She wanted to know how things were going;

what hospice could do to help.

 

I had several other calls to make

so decided to call him last.

It was 11:20 when I heard him say, “Hello”.

I then asked, “How is everything going?”

 

He stated, “It has been a long road.

She just passed away this morning at 10:30.

He then spoke about his teen daughters.

He will tell them when they get home from school.

 

I was able to offer condolences and support;

to validate his deep sadness and tremendous loss.

I also spoke about teenagers and their grief

giving him direction and guidance.

 

The timing of my call was perfect.

I know I was guided from above.

I was able to give him what he so needed.

               at fifty minutes past.