I PRAY

I met, “Claudia” a few days ago.  She lives in an apartment in a local Assisted Living Home.  Claudia’s husband, “Bill”, who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease, has a room in the Memory Care Unit just down the hall from Claudia’s apartment. 

Claudia is able to walk with her walker down the short hall to sit by her husband’s side during the day.  Bill was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease eight years ago.  He had been in a long, slow decline for many years, until recently, when he took a fall and hit his head.  Sense then, it has been a whirlwind of a decline for him. 

Bill is now bedridden while eating and drinking very little.  Claudia was realistic and realized that his days were short.  Claudia has a lot of support from family, but when I asked her what helped her cope, it was her faith which gave her amazing comfort.  

Bill died peacefully the following day.  I gave Claudia a call a day later to give her support and to let her know about hospice’s bereavement follow up that is available.  The words she spoke were so beautiful and heartfelt, it gave me goosebumps.  I know Claudia will grieve the loss of Bill, but she will also receive much comfort from her family and, especially, her faith.  I know she will embrace it always. 

I PRAY

 

They’ve been married over seventy years.

They’ve been through a lot together;

building a life; raising three kids.

So many experiences, so many stories.

 

Now it’s near the end for him as

Alzheimer’s Disease is winning the war.

He’s unresponsive in the Memory Care Unit;

while she’s in an Assisted Living apartment

              just down the hall.

 

She stays by his bedside during the day

giving him support; giving him comfort.

When I asked her, “What helps you cope,”

she so strongly replied, “I pray!”

 

She knew his time wouldn’t be long

while sharing stories about his life.

She embraced all the good times they had.

It made her smile while she recalled.

 

I phoned to offer condolences and support

as he peacefully died the following day.

I knew her Christian faith gave her strength,

but was so moved by what she said.

 

“I am really doing very well,

but I want to always remember

what he looked like the day before he died.

               He looked so lost.”

 

“I am happy he is not in that body any more.

He is with the flow.

He is keeping me peaceful.

               I pray!”