We received a hospice referral to admit “Mitchell”, ninety-two, to our hospice program. Mitchell has been so healthy and active his entire life; until recently when his lung and heart problems, started to impact him greatly. Two weeks ago, he was totally independent. Since that time, his decline has been swift.
People die the way they live; and Mitchell was no different. So often, patients who are “strong and tough”, will hang on tightly until the end. That is what has always worked for them. I see that personality style as a huge compliment to whom they truly are. We all need to live our life the way that works for us. Thank you, Mitchell, for that important lesson.
GOING HOME
He has lived over 90 years.
He’s always been healthy and doing well.
He is strong, determined and thankful
to be able to truly live his life his way.
His focus has always been on family first.
He and his wife were married over 60 years.
He has two sons, who both live nearby.
They deeply love him; and he: they.
His wife got suddenly ill five months ago.
Two months later, she was gone.
It was then when he began to decline.
His heart and lungs starting to slowly fail.
The moment we walked into his home,
his breathing suddenly became shallow.
He became unconscious; no longer breathing.
A few moments later, he was gone.
I believe he waited for us to arrive
to give his family their much-needed support.
He has always put his family first;
as wanted to make sure they would be okay.
He missed his wife so very much.
He was so lost without her.
He knew this was his time to let go.
He was so ready to be
going home.
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