WISE

“Gloria”, ninety-three, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease over eleven years ago.  Gloria lives with her son, “Dean”, on their three-acre ranch.  The town has about 150 residents.  The closest grocery store is forty minutes away.  There are no businesses in town at all.  The two directions out of town, are very curvy and narrow roads. 

The moment the nurse and I walked into their home; we immediately saw Gloria asleep in her hospital bed in the living room.  Dean was standing next to his mother holding her hand.  Dean shared that his mother has not eaten for two days and is only sipping small amounts of water.  The nurse and I knew she was imminent and likely had only hours to a few days to live.

 It was so clear how much Dean loved his mother.  He spoke simply and it was obvious that he could not grasp all that we said about hospice.  Dean looked at life very simply.  He was amazing as he saw just what he needed to see.  Fortunately, his friend, “Sally” was in the home as well.  Sally is amazing as she helps many of the town’s residents as a courtesy.  She spoke so lovingly about helping locals as she had such a passion for doing what she did.  Her plan was to stay with Dean for the next few days to support him. 

Dean touched me so strongly as he had such a deep and loving heart.  His father and two of his siblings have preceded them in death.  Dean had also been his father’s caregiver.  Dean, like Sally, received comfort caring for his mother. 

Gloria died early this morning, two days after our admission.  I called Dean and left a voice message offering condolences and support. I know Sally is there giving him compassion and love.  God bless you, Dean.

WISE

 

He’s been caring for his mother

for close to eleven years.

Recently though, so much has changed,

as lately she is declining more

                    each and every day.

 

She is now bedridden, confused,

no longer talking or eating much at all.

The time is likely near for her

to instinctively know when to naturally

                    just let go.

 

He has a learning disability

that has never slowed him down.

He confidently thinks things through

on a deep and knowledgeable manner.

 

He sees life on a simple level,

that helps clear out all the distractions.

He simply wants to care for his mom

the best way that he knows how.

 

Tears flowed quietly while he softly cried;

aware that her time is soon.

He embraces peace knowing she’ll be in Heaven

with his father as well as his two brothers.

 

The home will be so empty without her there.

He will miss her each and every day,

but what truly helps him cope is

watching old movies and comedic shows.

 

He understands nothing can bring her back,

Life is not that complicated as we all may believe,

but it’s the simple steps that give us peace.

                    Yes, he truly is all that wise.