99 YEARS

 We received a referral to admit, “Jim” to hospice.  Jim has been in a recent, dramatic decline whereby he is in bed most of the day due to weakness.  Two months ago, he was totally independent.  Now he needs helps with all of his activities of daily living.  Jim lives with his wife, “Diana”.  She, too, is totally independent.  

So wonderful is that both of them have such a positive attitude about life.  They appreciate each day and enjoy life as it happens.  One of their three daughters lives five minutes away and visits daily.  There is a lot of laughter and joy in the home.  They are such an inspiration for us all.

99 YEARS 

 

They met each other in their mid-twenties.

She was two months older than he.

She was a hair dresser;

                    he was her client.

 

They now have been married 73 years.

Both are ninety-nine years of age.

“What is your secret for such a long marriage?”

“We both just still, so get along.”

 

They have always been so independent, so active,

until two months ago when he became so weak.

He now uses a walker due to his shuffling gait.

He is also sleeping about twenty hours each day.

 

He recently has lost eighteen pounds

as his diet consists of only one meal a day.

When asked how he is coping with all of this,

he smiled and said, “I am doing just fine.”

 

She is his primary caregiver,

although family does help out.

She is good natured and smiles so easily;

seeing life as a gift she treasures each day.

 

“What is your secret in living so long?”

“I so appreciate my health; my independence;

but I never, in my life thought

                  I would see ninety-nine years!”