HIS MOTTO

“Cathy, seventy years old, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) just about one year ago.  Cathy lives with her husband, “Mitch”, who is totally devoted to her.  They have two daughters, who live out of state.  Mitch’s primary focus is taking care of his wife. 

We first met Cathy a year ago; shortly after her diagnosis.    We admitted her to our program, but fortunately for her, she remained stable for quite a while.  It was then that we discharged her from hospice as she did not meet hospice criteria. 

 We went out for the second time today to meet with Cathy and Mitch.  Cathy now totally qualifies for our program.  She is totally paralyzed and bedridden.  She can only move her right arm.  She is amazing as is still able to text her family and friends.  She is on a breathing apparatus along with oxygen continuously.   Cathy responds very softly with one-word answers only as she is tremendously weak. 

Mitch looks at life and challenges in a very intellectual way.  When he hits any challenge in his life, his first response is, “Think out of the box”.  That works for him.  Mitch will likely reach out intellectually to any challenge that rises up in his life.  I wish both of them the courage and strength to meet those challenges.

HIS MOTTO 

 

I met them about one year ago

when we admitted her to hospice.

She was just diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease

and was reaching out for help; for some support.

 

She was only on for a few months

as she became stable and doing quite well.

Now, all has dramatically changed.

We went out to re-admit her yesterday.

 

She is totally paralyzed except for one arm.

She wears a breathing apparatus continually.

She is now struggling with swallowing

and taking in only liquids.

 

He is a strong advocate for her.

Whenever he hears, “That is not available”,

he will typically respond strongly,

                    “Think out of the box!”

 

That, amazingly, will typically work

as he thoroughly will research any topic.

When asked how does he cope, he replies,

“I ignore it and will find a positive solution.”

 

His deep research does, quite often, help.

He will continue to chant his motto as needed.

Any rough road ahead, I can hear him now,

                    “Think out of the box!”