IT'S FIVE O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE

“Frances”, eighty-five years old, suffers from kidney disease.  She has been on dialysis three days a week for ten years.  France’s husband died at such a young age that she raised her three children alone.  Frances is very realistic and looks at life in a true way.  She accepts the good along with the bad.  Her granddaughter, “Cindy”, is her caregiver.  Cindy says that her grandmother’s humor is wonderful.  It allows her to handle what life brings in a positive light.  

Frances was in a deep sleep while we were there doing the hospice admission.  It was wonderful to hear Cindy share stories about her grandmother.  The family has suffered multiple recent losses.  Two of France’s children have died in the past four years; both from cancer.  Frances is very realistic regarding both of those losses. 

I strongly believe that terminal patients know when to let go.  Through my experience of doing hospice work, there are way too many coincidences that help support that theory.  I know Frances had some insight for when that would be for her.  I know now she continues to watch over her family; those here on earth and those on the other side.

IT’S FIVE O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE 

 

She has lived a full, long life;

staying healthy, lively and funny.

She had three children and a loving husband;

living a life the best way it could ever be.

 

Suddenly hard times reared its ugly head.

Her husband died unexpectedly at age thirty-three.

She then went to work at a law office;

not able to be a “stay-at-home” mother

                    that she so desired to be.

 

She had such a positive outlook about life;

finding the good in everything.

There were normal ups and downs;

but her optimist humor always eased the pain.

 

She went on dialysis ten years ago

because her kidneys needed some support.

She recently did hear, “Dialysis is no longer effective.”

She has accepted it and is ready to go.

 

Her decline is rapid as she is so weak and not eating.

She is sleeping most all of the time.

She is seeing those who have crossed before her.

She is so ready to say goodbye.

 

On the day of hospice’s admission, we were told,

“Today she keeps asking me what is the time?

She really wants to know as keeps repeating,

I predict I will die at 5PM today.”

 

She died early this morning an hour after midnight.

It wasn’t 5PM like she strongly forecasted,

but it was her fifth day on our hospice program.

Who is to say she was wrong as;

                    It is five o’clock somewhere.