HIS TRUTH

The nurse and I went out to admit “Eric”, fifty-seven years old, to our hospice program.  Eric was diagnosed two months ago with a very aggressive cancer.  Since the two months of diagnosis, Eric has rapidly declined.  Eric is very weak and needs assistance with all of his activities of daily living. 

Eric has lived in Montana for many years.  He is single and has no children.  Two days ago, he moved in with his sister knowing that his needs are rapidly increasing.  His mother also lives nearby and is supportive and loving.  

Eric sees the truth about his life and world.  He is so realistic about the good and the bad, that is helps him think about what can he do, if anything, to help himself deal with the reality of the situation.  Eric’s biggest concern was his pain.  Eric shared that he would not mind if he had to be unconscious to control the pain.  Fortunately, hospice’s number one gift is comfort care.  They are so good at it. 

Eric has accepted his fate and poor prognosis.  He denied any fears about what was happening to him.  I am so amazed as it has only been two months since this all began. 

I felt unconditional love in the home, which is the best gift of all, but then, how do they deal with this tremendous loss.  They all were so real in their words.  I spoke with Eric’s mother, who so agreed that this is out of order.  She then added that it is her strong faith which helps her cope. 

I wish this family all of the best and hope that, we as hospice workers, can help them as fully as we can, in order to meet their needs.  I bless them all.

HIS TRUTH

 

He has always been a straight shooter

while accepting his truth as it truly is.

He’s embraced the good in his life

along with accepting the reality of the bad.

 

He was diagnosed only two months ago;

a genetic, but aggressive cancer.

He tried radiation and chemotherapy,

but strongly stated five days ago, “I am done!”

 

His decline has been quick

resulting in tremendous pain and weakness.

He’s moved in with his sister

to get the care that he so desperately needs.

 

When asked about his goals or how we can help,

he earnestly replied, “I don’t want to be in pain;

I don’t want to be a burden;

I want to have quality of life with comfort.”

 

When I spoke about grief and the emotions of loss,

he, not surprisingly, responded in his direct and truthful way;

“I have made peace with it all.

                            I have no regrets”.

 

He sees reality and positively adjusts.

I know he will continue to speak his truth

and will die the way he has lived;

in reality along with

                           his absolute truth.