SACRED GIFTS

We admitted “Paul”, seventy-four, to hospice just two weeks ago. Paul lived with his wife, “Anna”, who was his primary caregiver.  Paul has been in a recent decline whereby he is bedridden and no longer able to walk.  The moment we walked into his bedroom, he had me laughing.  Paul had such a sarcastic sense of humor.  He used harsh words at times as wanted to shock you, but it was so obvious that he was totally teasing; in a fun way. 

As a hospice Social Worker, staying in a professional mode, does not always work.  We are trained to be where the client is.  Paul’s humor triggered my humor and I was able to banter and laugh so hard with him. 

I found out this Monday morning that Paul died two days ago.  I called Anna to check in to see how she is coping.  Quite quickly, she told me a funny story about Paul that had us both laughing.  She then added, “He kept telling me after your visit, I sure like that Social Worker.”  I so know it was because he made me laugh. 

There was another gift that presented itself with this morning’s phone call.  When I called Anna, she said she was at the funeral home and could I talk with “Jim”?  Jim was the owner of the mortuary, and the first thing he said to me was, “I was just reaching for the phone to call hospice.”  He needed the name of the physician who would be signing the death certificate.  

To me, coincidences are signs from above.  It is spirituality at its best.  If I had to list gifts that I cherish, hands down, it would be humor and spirituality.  I cannot number them, as both are number one to me.  After the telephone call, I looked into the sky and said, “Thank you to all of you.”

SACRED GIFTS 

 

I met them both two weeks ago

when we admitted him to hospice.

He was diagnosed with cancer two years ago;

but unfortunately, so recently, is in a continuous decline.

 

The moment we walked into his bedroom,

he had me laughing so hard from his sarcasm.

He wanted to shock you with his strong words,

but you knew he was just kidding.

His gift of humor totally surrounded him.

 

He died two days ago with his family by his side.

I called her to offer condolences and support.

When asked how she is doing, she sadly stated,

                    “I am hanging in there”.

 

She then told me a funny story about something he said.

When the aide was there to give him a bed bath, she asked,

“Let me help you lie down.”

He immediately responded, “I can’t. I am married”.

 

While we both were laughing, I reassured her,

“That story is your husband, not his disease.

Keep sharing his humor; his wit; his antics.

His legacy will always and forever be around;

                   and you, will always be laughing.”