GROWING OLD

The hospice nurse and I went out to admit, “Glady’s, ninety-nine years old.  The hospice referral stated that Gladys had stomach and heart disease.  Prior to walking in, the nurse and I expected to see someone frail and weak due to her age.  As we walked into her kitchen, Gladys was slowly walking toward us with her walker, to welcome us into her home. 

We weren’t quite sure if it was her as she looked so much younger than her ninety-nine years.  She was so alert and extraordinarily funny.  Her three children were there and we witnessed wonderful teasing between all of them.  Gladys was sarcastic in such a fun way.  She laughed so easily while talking about her recent experiences with her health. 

One would think at her age, she would so likely meet hospice criteria, but she did not.  Her health is stable even though she needs help with many things.  We referred the family to our Palliative Care Program for support.  

Gladys appreciated each day she had, but was realistic regarding all of the losses she has experienced over the years.  She spoke sadly about her two husbands and grandson that have died.  She also spoke about the difficulty of losing all of her peers.  She would speak very honestly about those losses, while putting in a bit of humor along the way to help her cope. 

She is an amazing individual who, I know, has touched so many people along the way.  I feel so honored to have met her.  She is a doll!!!!!

GROWING OLD

 

In just two more months,

she will be one hundred years old.

Her doctor referred her to hospice

with stomach and heart concerns.

 

We walked into her charming home

expecting to see someone frail and weak.

We were so surprised to meet her

as she walked over to welcome us in.

 

She looked twenty years her junior

so we weren’t quite sure it was her.

She walked slowly with her walker,

but had a lot of energy to spare.

 

She had beautiful white hair;

held back with a stylish hair clip.

She was alert and so aware,

while she sat us all down.

 

She spoke about all of the losses

that come with growing old.

She has been widowed twice while adding;

                    “All of my friends are now gone.”

 

Her tears flowed heavily

while speaking about her grandson’s death.

“I just don’t like to talk about it much

as it makes my tears so easily flow”.

 

She embraces each day that she has

while so appreciative of her family’s support.

Yes, there is sadness at times with aging,

but she, so amazingly, knows the beauty of

                    Growing Old.