WE WERE ONE

The hospice nurse and I went out to a Skilled Nursing Facility today to admit, “Carla”, ninety years old, to hospice.  Carla had been living with her eldest daughter, “Maria”, who had been her primary caregiver. Carla was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease several years ago, but had been doing quite well.  She suffered a stroke six weeks ago which caused right sided weakness.  Carla is now bedridden and eating very little. 

Carla was admitted to the facility yesterday after a lengthy hospitalization and rehab.  Carla has seven children and a very large extended family.  Her family all live locally and are very attentive and supportive.  Carla’s eldest daughter, Maria, has a son, “Abe”, who is a nurse at the facility where Carla is now a patient.  

Upon meeting Abe, he had me with “Hello”.  He was so articulate and caring.  His heart just shined through so beautifully.  He spoke about his concerns about his grandmother and his mother.  It was so clear that he was the primary caregiver for his entire family.  I know they will all be okay as the beautiful support they gave to each other is the greatest gift of all.

WE WERE ONE 

 

He is the thirty-year old grandson

of a very large, extended, supportive family.

He is the spokesperson for them all

as is the only one who speaks English fluently.

 

He also, so graciously, speaks from his heart

while being the primary caregiver for them all.

“This is so difficult for all of them.

I have to make sure they are doing okay.”

 

Grandma was admitted to a facility yesterday

as she suffered a stroke six weeks ago.

She has stopped eating and is drinking very little.

Her time is nearing its end.

 

I met with him alone in the hallway.

He appropriately shed some tears

as spoke about his father

who died when he was a teenager.

 

He had a very close relationship with his father.

‘He was the rock; while I was the stone.”

I validated his emotions with compassion.

I then shared, “I had the same relationship with my dad”.

 

As I was about to leave, he gently said,

“I need to talk with you again.

Hearing bits of your stories,

                          has really helped me.”

 

I strongly felt I have met him before.

We spoke the same language, we thought alike.

We connected on a high spiritual level.

I so believe, there was a time in our past that

                         we were one.