GIVING THANKS

“Rose”, eighty-eight, had been living so independently until one month ago when she fell and hit her head.  Her daughter-in-law, “Jill” was told by the doctors that she may have suffered a stroke.  After a one- month skilled nursing facility stay, Rose is now home, bedridden and dependent with all of her needs.  Rose speaks using only a few words at a time.  When we mentioned “There is no place like home”; Rose nodded her head. 

I was so impressed by Jill as she is the primary caregiver for Rose.  Jill also cares for her 28-year- old son who suffers from Downs Syndrome.  Toward the end of our visit, Jill added that her husband was lying down in the back bedroom.  She then softly added, “He is dying from lung cancer”.  No matter what challenge, Jill turns to the positive side of life.  I was so amazed by her strength and upbeat personality.  

As I was leaving, she complimented and thanked me for my support.  It is so humbling as Jill gave me so much more than I gave her.  I truly get it back a thousandfold.  I am so blessed to do this work.     

GIVING THANKS

 

It was just six weeks ago

that she fell and hit her head.

She was so independent before the fall,

now helpless with all of her needs.

 

Her daughter-in-law told us her story;

“She’s lived in this same house her entire life,

and I lived right across the street.

I’ve known her son forever.

We’ve been married over thirty years.”

 

Sadly, two of the patient’s four sons have died;

but she’s continued to convincingly move on.

“She’s tough and strong.

                    She never complains”.

 

She and her family live with Mom.

She takes care of everyone there.

Her one son has Down’s Syndrome,

while her husband is disabled with lung disease.

 

She sees life in such a positive way;

in spite of all of these struggles.

She smiles and gently says, “I rely on God

with a strong support group of Church women”.

 

I so admired her strength;

her beautiful way of handling things.

As I was leaving, she heartfeltly said,

“You are so beautiful.

                    You’ve helped me so much”.

 

My reply, also so deeply from my heart,

“You have given me a thousandfold

of what little I have given you.

For all that you give; for all that you are;                                                      

I graciously, softly, and simply just say                                                                              

                    Thank you.”