IN THREES

 “Harold”, eighty-one, has suffered from heart disease for many years.  He lives with his wife, “Annie”, in their cozy home with their fluffy puppy, “Max”.  The couple have five children who are loving and devoted to their parents.  Three of the children live locally and are wonderfully9 supportive. 

The moment I walked into their home, I immediately spotted Harold.  He was in a deep sleep lying in his hospital bed in their living room.  The family shared that he has been declining for several months, although now, “We are seeing a daily decline.”  Harold has not eaten for two days.  He is only taking in sips of water.  He was in a deep sleep the entire time I was visiting them. 

Harold and Annie’s daughter, “Paula”, shared that her father has been “talking to someone” while asleep these past several days.  Both Annie and Paula are realistic regarding knowing that he likely has only days to a week left to live. 

Paula and Annie had me laughing the moment I walked into their home.  They were so sarcastic in such a loving way.  It was great being with them.  Humor is such a wonderful coping skill.  So many folks that I meet, use humor to cope. 

I was with Annie for a few moments in the kitchen.  She started to tell me about her daughter who died a few months ago.  It was then that I witnessed her appropriate tears.  She is still so strongly grieving her daughter while knowing it won’t be long when she will be also grieving her husband’s death.  She knows it while not wanting to experience it; as we all would likely feel. 

There is something to be said about a mother’s intuition.  Raising children brings out that amazing instinct of knowing what may be around the corner.  I wish her the best and hope that our hospice program can help her through this painful ordeal.  Our bereavement department follows family for thirteen months afterwards.  God bless you Annie. 

ADDENDUM:  Harold died six hours after I left their home.  I have spoken with Paula who shared that they are busy with paperwork while arranging his memorial.  She shared that her mother is doing” okay, but grieving”.  They are aware that they can contact our hospice bereavement for any support that arises.  Their love for each other will hopefully help them through this difficult time.

IN THREES 

 

He suffers from heart disease.

It has been, oh so m any years.

He was doing just fine until

only a few months ago.

 

It was then, his struggle arose.

He began needing more and more help.

The family say that now

they are seeing a daily decline.

 

When I saw him today, I knew.

He has not eaten for two days

while drinking only a few sips of water.

He is imminent; his time is short.

 

She spoke about her eldest daughter,

who just died a few months ago.

“Her, and now it’s happening to him.”

While softly adding.

              “Things happen in threes”.

 

Her younger daughter walked me out.

She told me about her brother.

He fell a few days ago and fractured his leg.

Test results show cancer that has spread.

 

“He needs chemotherapy and treatment.

I don’t know how to tell my mother.

She’s been through way too much.

I don’t want to hurt her more”.

 

I feel that she probably already knows.

She is trusting her heart; her sixth sense.

A mother’s instinct is oh so strong.

Things so often happen

               In threes!