HE KNOWS

“Lillian”, ninety-two years of age, was diagnosed with dementia several years ago.  Lillian has six children, of which none live locally.  “Shawn”, her grandson, is more like a son to her.  She has raised him since he was two years old as he no longer could live with his mother.  Shawn shared that Lillian is “more my mother than grandmother”.   

 

Several years ago, when it became apparent that Lillian could no longer safely live alone, Shawn brought her to his own home.  Shawn has a wonderful, caring wife, “Lauren”, who was very receptive to Lillian moving in.  Lauren works days, while Shawn works nights.  Their schedule is so that Lillian is never left alone.   

 

Lillian has been in a recent decline to where she is sleeping more and eating a lot less.  She has become weaker which increased her dependence.  Shawn and Lauren keep moving forward without any complaints. 

 

Shawn could not thank the hospice nurse and I enough just for being there to sign Lillian onto our hospice program.  Shawn was amazing.  He is so focused on the good in his life; be it situations or people.  His appreciation is so apparent.  At one point, Shawn stated, “I learned from my mother what not to do.”  Even with that statement, it came across uplifting with no hint of a complaint. 

 

Shawn is living his life the best way he knows how; positive and uplifting.  How wonderful that that attitude and personality is being taught to his three young children.  Way to go Shawn!!! 

HE KNOWS 

  

He knows she is his grandmother, 

but is more like a mother to him. 

She’s raised him since he was two; 

when no longer able to live with his mom.  

 

She is now bedridden with dementia. 

Total care is so what she needs. 

He so strongly has to take care of her; 

hence, he lovingly moved her into his home. 

 

She is weaker and sleeping more; 

not eating much food at all. 

He knows her quality of life is gone, 

but is so deeply grieving this huge loss. 

 

Parts of his life have been rough, 

but he chooses to see the good. 

Living through those difficult times 

makes positive moments more noticeable. 

 

When asked what helps him cope, 

he so clearly knows where to turn. 

“It is to my kids where I always need to go. 

New Life; new generation; new future”.

 

He so deeply, so clearly, 

so beautifully, so naturally 

               knows.