HE DID

“Ron”, eighty-four, was diagnosed with colon cancer two years ago.  Ron underwent chemotherapy and radiation to no avail.  The cancer has now spread to his bones and liver.  Ron has a very strong personality and has kept moving forward no matter what. 

Ron lives with his wife, “Debra”.  They have three children, all residing out of the area.  They are all so very supportive as the moment we walked into his home; the entire family was there.  They are all aware and realistic regarding their father’s recent decline and poor prognosis.  It was amazing as all of the family easily verbalizes their emotions, needs and grief with amazing support from each other. 

I initially met the family in the living room.  Ron was lying down in his hospital bed in his bedroom.  I so wanted to meet him as he and I have the same birthday.  Ron so joyfully welcomed me and the nurse into his room.  He immediately touched my heart strings.  Ron and Debra teased each other in such a fun and loving way.  Both of them agreed that humor is what has helped them get through life together.  

Ron asked about having a priest come for The Sacrament of the Sick.  Where normally, I would have called one of our hospice chaplains after the visit to arrange, I felt the urgency in his voice and called our chaplain at that moment.  Twenty minutes later, the priest called to say he would be out at 3pm today. 

Ron died peacefully two days later.  I called Debra today to offer condolences and support.  The first thing she said was to thank me for quickly arranging the priest visit.  It was the best gift of all to Ron.  I told her that it was a perfect example of how hospice so works as a team.  

I was spiritually guided to make that call at that particular time.  I receive messages from above while doing this wonderful hospice work.  They are often very subtle, but I so believe that I am guided from above.  It so truly, although quietly, supports and steers me along each day. 

HE DID

 

He is a very young eighty-four.

He was up on a ladder last week.

Now he is bedbound and weak;

               no longer eating at all.

 

His time is short and he knows it.

He does not want this to drag on.

His biggest concern is his family.

“I don’t want to be a burden”.

 

He was raised a Catholic

with strong Christian beliefs.

He’s been non-practicing for years,

but now has asked strongly for a priest.

 

I heard the urgency in his voice.

I immediately called our chaplain to help out.

Twenty minutes later, the priest called

offering a visit early afternoon.

 

After the visit, he told her,

“I am not scared any more”.

He died peacefully two days later

with his entire family at his side.

 

She said the priest’s visit “settled him down”.

Knowing that, it gave she and the family peace.

It all so happened the way he wished.

He did his life, and his death, his way.

               Yes; absolutely;

                                      he did.