Our admitting department got an urgent request, from a local hospital, to have a Social Worker come over to see one of their patients. “Ryan”, fifty-two, was diagnosed with Liver Cancer just last month. He was homeless and had a long history of drug abuse. His only family was a cousin who lived in another state.
Ryan has been in a recent, rapid decline; hence the hospitalization. I met with the discharge planner at the hospital who said that he doesn’t want any extraordinary measures, but is appropriately struggling with totally letting go to admit to hospice and comfort care.
I went to
meet with Ryan in order to hear from him what his wishes are. Immediately I saw his kindness and his
heart. He so deeply spoke his truth; and
I to him. I totally saw his loving and
caring soul. He touched me so deeply. His life’s journey, like all of us, will be
what it will be.
I SAW
It really
wasn’t clear to us
as to why
the hospital asked us to come.
We knew his
cancer diagnosis was recent
and that it
had already spread to other organs.
He is
homeless with no family around;
and,
regrettably, a long history of drug abuse.
He is only
fifty-two and understandably wants to live,
but
unfortunately, there are no further treatment options.
He was lying
quietly on his side when I walked in.
His voice
was so faint, but he strongly told his truth.
“I am not
sure if I want to go onto hospice,
but then, I
know I can’t do this alone.”
He saw the
truth; he saw the reality.
“We have all
said and done things wrong in our life.
Those are
opportunities to learn and grow.
You will
hear, ‘Well done’ when you cross over.”
His eyes lit
up; while listening to what I said.
I hope it
gave him some peace; some comfort.
I saw what
heaven will see when he crosses over.
I saw his
heart; I saw his soul; I saw his beauty.
He will be
guided when it is his time.
He will know
when to gracefully let go.
He will be
embraced with love; with comfort.
It will then
be his time to deeply know and believe;
“I see”.
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