AFTERLIFE

Working in hospice, I frequently am touched from above.  When I walk into a home, I immediately let go and allow my instincts to receive from above.  I had scheduled a social work admission visit today.  As I was reading the medical records, it was apparent that this patient was imminent and likely transitioning.  

The patient was eighty-four years old.  She had been diagnosed with liver cancer a few months ago.  She had been doing just fine until one week ago.  It was then she started to rapidly decline on a daily basis.  I met the patient’s three children.  We all walked into the bedroom where their mother was lying down and in a deep sleep and unresponsive.  The family had a very strong Baptist faith which gave all of them comfort and hope. 

The family all needed to talk and started to tell me wonderful stories about Mom.  She was a very giving, hard worker her entire life.  I shared that people die the way they live and their mother will surely do this her way.  

It was then I was guided from above to talk with them about how their mother will show them, in a way they will understand, that after she is gone, she is okay.  The children had already spoken with their mother about this while letting her know how it would help all of them.  I spoke about several experiences I have heard from other hospice families as well. 

This family’s spirituality and faith were so strong and also comforting to them.  It gave them peace hearing other stories about loved ones letting their family know that they are okay.  Their mother died peacefully the next day.  They all, for sure, will be sad, but have comfort in knowing that she is okay.  We all believe what is right for us; which, in turn, gives us amazing support.  May this family find peace.

AFTERLIFE

 

Mom was diagnosed just six months ago,

and had been doing quite well.

Then suddenly, in just one week, all has changed.

She is now imminent; in a deep sleep;

               her time is near.

 

The four of us met by her bedside.

They spoke openly about their grief.

“This is happening way too fast.

It makes it so hard to see her go!”

 

“Your mother will let you know,

in a way you will understand,

that she is okay and doing fine.

You will know that it is her;

               your heart will tell you so.”

 

I shared a few of my Hospice experiences

of stories that I have been told;

where patients have come back around

in a way that families truly know.

 

“I told Mom to come back as an owl;

while my brother requested a hawk.

My sister asked mom for a carnation;

as it’s my mother’s favorite flower.

 

“My sister walked onto her porch this morning

and was totally taken by surprise;

as lying in the middle of her porch

was a single pale pink carnation.”

 

“You have made afterlife a reality

by the stories you have shared.

You have helped all of us so greatly.

You have given us total peace”.