HUMMINGBIRD

The hospice nurse and I went to admit, “Marty” to our hospice program.  Marty has been struggling for years with a serious heart condition.  He has been in a recent decline as his treatment is no longer effective.  

Marty lives with his daughter, “Cindy” and her husband, “Drake”.  Cindy is totally devoted to her father as they have a wonderful relationship.  Marty’s wife died two years ago on our hospice program.  Cindy, at that time, was her mother’s caregiver as well.  Cindy lovingly stated, “My parents are my best friends.” 

We met Marty in his bedroom which was situated down a long hallway.  It was a small bedroom, but very cozy with his personal possessions.  When we walked into his bedroom,  Marty was lying down with his small dog snuggled next to him. 

Marty spoke so lovingly about his wife.  He has Christian beliefs and knows she is still around.  He spoke about how she wakes him up now and then while he is in a deep sleep.  It gives him comfort knowing that she is never, ever that far away. 

Cindy also shared stories about how she will dream about her mother.  Those dreams tell Cindy, like her father, that her mother is still around.  It gives both of them such comfort and peace. 

From what we all experienced during that visit,  we all know that yes, she is still around watching over them. 

HUMMINGBIRD   

  

He was in his bedroom down the long hall.

It was a small room, but cozy and comfortable.

His dog was snuggled right next to him.

He so genuinely welcomed us to come on in.

 

He sat up on the side of his bed,

with his daughter devotedly by his side.

He spoke about many family stories

which gave him comfort; which gave him pride.

 

He then spoke so lovingly about his wife.

They were married almost sixty years.

She died two years ago on hospice.

He misses her each and every day.

 

He believes she comes to him at night.

“She wakes me when I am in a deep sleep.

She will gently poke my shoulder.

It gives me comfort; it gives me peace.”

 

Suddenly, a hummingbird flew into the bedroom.

It flew in fast, rapid circles above our heads.

Being startled, we all kept saying,

“That is a hummingbird; it’s a hummingbird!”

 

He knew it was his wife coming in to say, “Hello”.

She was letting him know she is always nearby

to give him comfort; to give him peace.

               And now, we all know it too.