FOUR DAYS

I meet so many wonderful folks on a daily basis doing hospice work.  Patients are living with a terminal diagnosis.  I am always amazed at how well so many manage these burdens.  The best part is that most folks do reach out to their support network of family and friends. 

I am reminded frequently, “There for the grace of God, go I”.    A powerful gift I so frequently receive is a reminder of how blessed I am to have my health along with a wonderful support network of family and friends.  

When I meet a patient I can relate to, those emotions run deeper and truer.  Today’s patient touched my heart and soul deeply while allowing me to strongly embrace my family, my friends and my health.  All I can say is, “Thank you”.

FOUR DAYS 

 

I meet so many amazing people in my work.

Patients and families who are grieving so deep;

but still find effective ways to cope; to manage;

even though times are challenging and hard.

 

Hospice patients continually teach me;

“Embrace this moment as that is all that we have”.

Strong reminders for me to count my blessings

and to appreciate the gifts I have in this life.

 

She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six years ago.

She is unable to carry on any conversation at all.

She is now bedridden; no longer getting up

and has lost over twenty pounds as her appetite is down.

 

She is one patient I strongly relate to.

We have so much in common.

The vulnerability in life.

“Why her, and not me?”

 

We both have been married over fifty years.

She has two daughters; and I, two sons.

She met her husband seven miles from my hometown;

we all attending the same junior college at the same time.

 

We could have so easily met years ago.

I traveled my journey and she hers.

But the biggest happenstance of all;

she was born

                    just four days

                                        before I.