WHY?

 The hospice nurse and I had two hospice admissions today.  “Randy”, was diagnosed just a few months ago with pancreatic cancer.  His strong faith helps him cope, but then reality will rise, and he will appropriately grieve.  He is only fifty-four years of age.  He shared that somehow, he feels cheated out of years.   

This afternoon we admitted, “Catherine”, who is one hundred and three years old.  She has dementia and has had a significant cognitive decline these past few months.  She is seeing more years than most of us ever will.  She is hard of hearing and has poor eyesight.  Her life is so limited that I wouldn’t be surprised if she, too, asked, “Why?  Why so many years?” 

Very few of us will likely know how we will react when given a terminal diagnosis.  There is no right or wrong way.  However one does feel is perfectly right for them.    It then makes me think, there is no right or wrong way.  Cope your way. 

WHY? 

 

We admitted two patients to hospice today. 

He will turn fifty-five in a few weeks; 

while next month she will be 104. 

Both, being terminal, I wouldn’t be surprised  

                    to hear each ask, “Why?” 

 

He was diagnosed only four months ago. 

Even after multiple chemotherapy attempts, 

his cancer has since doubled in size. 

He has chosen to stop all treatment; 

wanting; “quality of life, not more time.” 

 

He has a strong Christian faith. 

“With all my heart I trust in God.” 

But then, he has normal moments of grief as well; 

                    “Why is this happening to me?” 

 

She has had a rapid cognitive decline. 

These past few months have been hard. 

Many of us will never see one hundred and four; 

but then, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear her say as well, 

                    “Why is this happening to me”? 

 

His life will be less years than most; 

while she has had survived so much more. 

But then, there is no acceptable answer 

when hearing the simple question of 

                    “Why?”