OUT OF ORDER

All of us experience losses as we travel along our way.   When I see a referral for any patient ninety years of age or older, the first thing that comes to mind is how likely they have had suffered many losses along the way.  “Helen”, ninety years of age lives with her adult granddaughter, “Hillery”.  Helen suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease and needs help with her daily activities.

Hillary spoke about their family history while telling stories about her grandmother’s life.   Hillary shared that there is longevity in their family.    One of Helen’s brothers just recently died at 102 years of age.   Hillary shared beautiful stories about the family, but my heart was touched so deeply when Hillary spoke about Helen’s three sons and the losses that she and Hillary shared surround her sons.  I wish them both the best.

OUT OF ORDER 

 

She was sitting quietly in her wheelchair

when we walked into her home.

She didn’t say much at all,

but gave us such a beautiful smile.

 

Her adult granddaughter cares for her

as she needs a lot of help with her daily needs.

She has had Alzheimer’s Disease for quite a while;

now eating and drinking so very little.

 

She has had a lot of losses in her life,

but love still fully surrounds her

as it was so exquisitely and beautifully clear

how much her granddaughter loved her.

 

Her family is small, but she did have three sons.

Her eldest son died fifteen years ago from an accident.

Her middle son has been estranged for years.

Her youngest son suffers from Autism.

 

Many folks who reach ninety years of age like her,

so easily, may experience multiple loss along the way,

but losing a child has to be the hardest loss of all.

                   It is definitely so

                                         out of order.