SO NATURAL

“Diane”, seventy-two, suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis for many, many years.  She also had a diagnosis I have not heard about; whereby her body did not produce enough fluids.  Diane took a fall several months ago and fractured her shoulder and ribs.  Her biggest complaint was tremendous constant pain.   She said if she was laying down, her pain was minimal, but with movement, the pain increased. 

Diane is married to her husband, “Brian”, who is the main caregiver.  They have no children or family at all.  They have many supportive friends, but it naturally is difficult for Brian to ask for help.  I spoke about the positives about seeking support from another.  When one asks for help, the person they are asking is receiving a gift.  It is surely a positive thing to do.

The nurse and I were there for about ninety minutes.  The time just flowed so easily.   Both Diane and Brian spoke their truth; while seeking what can be done to help.  They were so gracious and appreciative of hospice’s support.  

Our gift to them was definitely hospice support; as their gift to us was appreciation.  It doesn’t get any better than that.  Hospice’s number one gift is comfort care.  I feel that gift has already been initiated in order for Diane to feel much less pain.  God bless both of them.

SO NATURAL 

 

We had an 11am scheduled visit today;

to admit a patient to Palliative Care.

Her sister wasn’t there when we arrived.

She had totally forgotten all about it.

 

I then made it back to the office just in time

to join the nurse for a 12pm hospice admission.

I was meant to be at the second visit,

as it felt, oh so natural, just to be there.

 

She was in so much pain from “head to toe”.

“The pain is getting worse each day.

                    I can’t live this way.

                                        I want it over.”

 

He, too, was suffering; be it emotional pain.

He so focused and cared for her and her needs.

He worried about becoming exhausted; becoming sick.

“I don’t know if I can continue to help this way”.

 

They both spoke their truth;

their pain; their needs; their worries.

They both needed help for themselves.

“What can we do, to make it through?”

 

I counseled them on their grief; their emotions.

I validated and normalized their fears.

I spoke about the gifts of hospice.

They both were so appreciative of the support.

 

It was, oh so natural, as I was truly meant

                       to be just there.