THUMBS UP

We admitted “Glenn”, sixty-two, to our hospice today.  He was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) only five months ago.  He was walking one month ago, but now, due to a rapid decline, is wheelchair bound.  Glenn has become so much weaker with some paralysis.  Glenn lives with his wife, “Kelly”, who so lovingly dotes on him.  

Glenn is no longer able to talk.  He uses a computer screen to type his thoughts.  Glenn had the most beautiful smile while using humor to cope.  We would continually see him smile as we laughed.  It gave him such pleasure. 

Glenn has so accepted his fate.  He has a strong Christian faith which helps him cope.  He had no fears about dying.  When asking Glenn questions, he would type a response and then give us a thumbs up making sure we knew he was saying “Yes”. 

His words were so beautiful and powerful.  I felt he knew all of the answers about life.  At one point toward the end of our visit, I leaned down to Glenn and said to him, with grateful tears in my eyes, “You are wise beyond your years.  I will never forget you.”  

I so believe life here on Earth is our school.  We are all students at times while also being, at other times, teachers.  Glenn so strongly and beautifully is a very wise teacher to us all.

THUMBS UP

 

He was diagnosed only five months ago;

now in a recent one-month decline.

Early sixties with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

               So cruel; so unfair.

 

He was in his recliner when we walked in.

No longer able to talk; he types on a screen.

He greeted us with the most beautiful smile

while giving us a thumbs up to come on in.

 

He is so realistic and accepting of his status.

“My life style determines my death style.

Life happens and then it doesn’t.”

Giving us another thumbs up that “It is all okay”.

 

He has a law degree from a nearby university,

but worked as a social work case manager

in the county nearby where he lives.

“I miss my clients.  It was a privilege.”

 

His typed words, also, so easily expressed his humor.

We would slowly read as he typed;

and then he’d show us his amazing smile.

So pleased that he made us all giggle.

 

He chose humor again to make me laugh

when I asked him about what helps him cope.

He again showed us his beautiful smile while typing,

               “I love Metallica and porn”.

 

It was I, who then, while laughing,

               gave him an indebted

                              thumbs up.