HIS SPIRITUAL BELIEFS

We admitted, “Dennis, eighty-eight, to hospice today.  Dennis suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease and has been in a recent decline whereby he is weaker and more confused. In addition, he is sleeping a lot more and eating less.  

Dennis lives in an Assisted Living facility with his wife, “Doris”.  Doris was admitted to hospice a few weeks ago as well.  The couple had two children.  Their one son died three years ago after a short illness.  Their daughter, “Janet”, lives a few blocks away and visits her parents daily. 

Talking with Janet, it was so obvious how much she loved her parents.  She told me amazing stories about her father and how much he loved her mother.  The couple have been married 66 years.  Dennis worked hard his entire life, but still always had time for his family.  He still wants to work hard as Janet shared how he will walk up to the facility staff and ask them if they need any help.  

I was so amazed by his loving words about his wife.  To me that is so lovingly and as powerful as any spiritual or religious belief.  Dennis, you are an inspiration. 

HIS SPIRITUAL BELIEFS 

 

When admitting a patient to hospice,

there are a lot of questions that arise.

My favorite question to ask is,

“What are your spiritual beliefs?”

 

Most folks immediately think of religion,

but it is so much more than that.

It involves one’s belief about life;

or “What it is all about?”

 

These last two months have been a bit rough,

as he has been in a recent decline.

He is becoming more confused

as Alzheimer’s is rearing its ugly head.

 

His daughter shared stories about his life;

how he worked three jobs to support his family.

His primary goal was to be there for them as well.

Expressing his love was a high priority.

 

I asked her about his spiritual beliefs.

“He didn’t identify with any religion

as he was never a church goer.

He truly has no religious beliefs at all”.

 

She asked him once, “What do you believe?”

His answer was so magnificently phrased.

“My meaning for existence is Mom.

                    I so deeply love all of you.”

 

It is so clear; so evident that

he is the most spiritual

                    of us all.