WHO HE IS

The hospice nurse and I went out to admit, “Josh”, fifty-five, to our hospice program.  Josh was diagnosed with cancer just two years ago.  It has now spread to his bones.  Josh has been married to his wife, “Tracy”, for over thirty years.  They have two sons who live nearby.  Josh is one of seven children.  Three of his siblings were at the bedside; along with Tracy and their two sons.  They all started to share Josh stories.  They proudly stated, “He is the Patriarch of the family”, while adding, “He always made everyone laugh.” 

The family brought out photographs to share with us while telling us stories about “the true Josh”.  In all of the photos, Josh looked so robust and handsome with an amazing smile.  They shared so many stories, while laughing at the antics that Josh had up his sleeve.  One so felt the love between all of them in the home. 

I often tell families, that their loved one’s disease is such a small portion of who they truly are.  Patients are so much more.  This family surely expressed that in such an amazing and beautiful way.  I hoped Josh heard our conversation as their stories so truly state what a wonderful man he is.

WHO HE IS

 

He has declined so quickly

in these past few weeks.

Where up and walking a month ago,

he is now totally bedridden.

 

He stopped eating yesterday;

while drinking no fluid at all.

He’s unresponsive most of the time.

The family is aware and gathering around.

 

His wife and sons are at the bedside;

as is his six siblings from afar.

Two live out of the country;

while the others many miles away.

 

We all stood around his bedside

so aware that his time is short.

They started telling us his life stories;

how he would always make everyone laugh.

 

They showed us dozens of photos

of family gatherings, weddings and trips.

With each photo they shared his stories

while pointing to him in healthier days.

 

What we first saw was an imminent patient

who likely only had days to live;

but hearing their amazing stories and love for him,

we truly saw a beautiful husband, father and family man.

 

They wanted us to see the person whom he truly is;

not the unhealthy man he has recently become.

They were so perfectly letting us know;

               “This is truly

                               who he is!”