Saturday, April 26, 2025

'LET'S WALK"

“Connie”, ninety-three years old, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease three years ago.  Connie has two sons.  She lives with her youngest son, “Matt”.  Her other son lives nearby and, along with Matt, are so very supportive to their mother.  The patient spoke sentences of only a few words, but her face showed happiness and content.   

 

Matt shared some of his mother’s life stories which were so amazingConnie’s face would glow while she said a few additional wordsConnie spoke eloquently, even though speaking only a few words.   She appeared to have been a very intelligent person.  It was so beautifully obvious how much Connie and Matt loved each other.  In the end, it was a perfect example of what truly is important in life.  Thank you, Connie. 



LET’S WALK 

 

 

Three years ago, they were told Alzheimer’s. 

She has since been slowly needing more and more help. 

She cognitively is declining; speaking short sentences only. 

She remembers years past; but has no short-term memory. 

 

Her son takes her on a thirty-minute walk every morning. 

She walks slowly, with a steady gait, using her walker. 

Returning home after a walk, it is not long when she again says; 

                    Let’s walk”.   

 

Her family is so involved and supportive; 

helping her with all of her daily needs. 

She sees her life in the moment,  

while frequently stating, “Let’s walk”. 

 

Her nine decades of life was so interesting and amazing. 

She was a trailblazer for sure; following her dreams. 

She earned a master's degree in Sociology, 

                    allowing her to work the political field. 

 

She also worked for a non-profit agency 

helping those in the community who needed it the most. 

When we spoke about her life with her, 

                    she so beautifully would smile. 

 

She may not recall the story we spoke about, 

but it appeared she remembered the joy. 

As we got up to leave, she thanked us for coming, 

but then within moments we heard, 

                    “Let’s walk”.  

 

 

Saturday, April 19, 2025

HELL

We received a referral to admit “Monica” to our Palliative Care program.  She is very limited in her ability to care for her personal and daily needs secondary to being wheelchair bound.  She has been unable to work and is on disability.  Due to her low income, she qualifies for caregiving help in the home. 

 

Her calm and real personality amazed meShe looks at her life’s challenges with realityShe does not get angry at anyone but tries to look at a reasonable solution to help her out.   

In the end, she is a survivorI feel so sorry for all that she has been throughMuch more than anyone deservesBut then her strong presence is one wonderful gift that, I know, will get her through the downs and the upsGood luck Monica. 



HELL 

 

Eight years ago, she took a fall 

and fractured her right leg. 

She had surgery, but the pain 

stayed and never diminished. 

 

As a result, her leg became infected 

resulting in an emergency amputation. 

She is now wheelchair bound; 

needing help with so many of her daily needs. 

 

She isn’t a complainer, but realistic. 

She will talk about her dilemma; 

searching for appropriate solutions. 

Unfortunately, she has hit many brick walls. 

 

Many years ago, she and her husband 

were high on a mountaintop. 

Suddenly, at age thirty-seven, he died of a heart attack. 

She then so strongly, carried him back down the mountain. 

 

She has rented her home for over nineteen years. 

Last week, the owner sent her an eviction notice. 

She now needs to move out; he is selling the home. 

Not surprisingly, she calmly thinks,  

                    “What do I need to do now?” 

 

Reality can hit any of us appropriately hard. 

Life has a way of suddenly taking full notice; 

as reality does hit her with a tremendous force; 

“These past 8 years, I have been through Hell!”