THIS IS LIFE

We received a referral today for “Kelly”, an eighty-four-year-old woman who has been in a dramatic decline x 2 weeks.  Previously she was independent with all of her activities of daily living.  Now she is so weak, she has to use her walker to get around.  As a result of pain when eating, she is on a pureed diet.  She has lost a tremendous amount of weight in just two weeks. 

Kelly is very matter of fact and completely focuses on the moment.  She is realistic and so accepting of her life no matter what challenges she might face.  She has been divorced for many years and had two children.  Her son died ten years ago.  When talking about his death, she has accepted it by strongly believing and stating, “This is life”. 

Kelly’s daughter lives nearby and is not involved much at all.  Kelly asked that I call her fiduciary to let him know she was admitted to hospice.  He is the primary contact person.  This is the normal process for Kelly as she accepts whatever comes her way with a realistic, easy calmness.  

Kelly was very grateful for our support and thanked us for just being supportive and involved.   “I feel so much better with hospice’s support.  Thank you”.   Well, I say to you Kelly, “Thank you too, for letting us know how we can help you.”  Appreciation does run both ways.

THIS IS LIFE 

 

This sudden two-week decline

has hit her mighty hard.

She today, strongly stated, “I have no energy”,

now needing a walker to ambulate.

 

Her diet consistently is pureed food

as it is painful for her to eat.

She has lost eleven pounds in two weeks,

as all she wants to do is sleep.

 

She was recently hospitalized

to undergo a biopsy and so many other tests.

She found out today her diagnosis;

uterine cancer that has likely spread.

 

She realistically stays in the moment;

knowing there is no further treatment; no cure.

“I so wish that this would be quickly over, but then,

               This is life.”

 

She had two children,

but her son has preceded her in death.

Her primary contact is her fiduciary;

an attorney who will manage her care.

 

“My daughter doesn’t want to be involved,

and I so strongly wish that I could go today.

What is this all about?

                    I truly don’t really care”.

 

“This is life”.