Saturday, June 28, 2025

SO

It is always amazing to me how often coincidences occurAll of us are individuals living our life our unique wayWe are all wired differently while finding support that works for usBut then, on the other hand, how much different are weOur individualism connects us, but then so does our similaritiesTo me, it is just so fascinating. 


SO 

 

He came onto our hospice this morning; 

and additionally, this afternoon; so did she. 

I met the two of them back-to-back  

as I did both admissions this day. 

 

In their late twenties, 

both moved to the same town. 

That is where they found employment; 

hired by the same university. 

 

They both suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease; 

each diagnosed five years ago this Spring. 

He has been in a recent, slow decline. 

Not so surprisingly, so has she. 

 

So amazingly, each have four children; 

and unfortunately, for both, one lives away; 

but the other three are so supportive and available 

                    as all of them live nearby. 

 

Each were so guided by their intelligence. 

She became a scientist, while he, an engineer. 

Now she only speaks one to two words at most; 

                    while he, just a sentence or two. 

 

He said something I did not understand. 

Then, while giggling, added, “It’s a joke”. 

He had the most loveable and embracing smile; 

well not so surprisingly at all, 

                    so did she. 

 

Saturday, June 21, 2025

SAN FRANCISCO

We admitted “Jacob”, ninety years old, to hospice today.  He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease six years ago.  The hospice nurse and I met with his wife, “Paula and their daughter, “Jennie”.  We all sat around their kitchen table.  Paula started telling wonderful family stories wanting us to get to know her husband and who he truly was.  She then spoke of her family history.  She was gifted in sharing stories as her wording was so descriptive. 

 

When she started to share her family story, we all were amazed of the coincidencesIt so strongly connected us with each otherShe used a lot of humor as she spoke, which was fantasticHer daughter answered the door when we knockedShe kindly shared, “I am a social worker too”.  Are these coincidences or signs from aboveI so deeply think the latter.  



SAN FRANCISCO


He has had dementia for years. 

He was stable for quite a while, 

but these past four weeks, 

                    “He has gone downhill”. 

 

The family is so aware 

that his time is coming soon. 

His wife shared family history and stories 

about the wonderful man he truly was. 

 

She then happily stated 

                    “I was born in San Francisco”. 

I amazingly responded 

                    “I was born in San Francsico too.” 

 

“I grew up Catholic in the Tenderloin”. 

My response, “I grew up Catholic too.” 

She then shared, “We often went to St. Anthony’s,

a dining hall for the homeless.” 

I surprisingly stated in return, 

“My grandfather was one of the founders.” 

 

“We were married sixty-one years ago 

in St. Boniface Catholic Church.” 

“My parents were married there as well; 

about twenty years before you. 

 

She showed me a photo of them 

standing in front of the altar. 

Not surprisingly, I have one, 

so very similar of my parents too. 

 

As I was leaving, I passed a shelf full of 

San Francisco 49er souvenirs. 

I then showed her my Apple phone 49er cover. 

“WowI need to get one of those!”    

 

Both of us, always and forever,

                     San Franciscans!