A SURVIVOR

 

We went out to admit “Arlene”, ninety-two years old, to hospice.  Arlene recently heard that her cancer has returned.  The moment we walked in, we were surrounded by her positive attitude and happiness.  She shared amazing stories about her life and family.  No matter if it was a good or bad experience, she continued to see her life in such a positive way.  She stated, “This is life.  We go with the flow”.  In the end, we did not admit her to hospice as she is still receiving chemotherapy treatments.  No matter what her life will be in the future, I know she will always have her positive attitude and smile. 

 A SURVIVOR 

 

The moment we met her, 

she embraced us with her smile. 

She spoke about her life experiences; 

and, no matter what, stayed positive. 

 

She spoke about her six children; 

accepting the truth no matter what. 

Two of her sons were murdered 

surrounded by the drug abuse culture. 

 

One of her daughters now, is a drug addict; 

while her eldest son has cancer.   

She is very matter of fact; accepting the truth; 

while continuing to remain easily positive. 

 

She spoke about raising 12 foster children; 

while adding, “I have 100 grandchildren.” 

Then with such a beautiful smile stated,  

“I so love being surrounded by children”. 

 

I then asked, “Were you a schoolteacher?” 

Surprisingly we heard, “I was a butcher”. 

But then sadly, her manager one day 

was killed by someone robbing the store. 

 

She spoke about her life with such truth; 

no matter if it was the good or the bad. 

She has the biggest, caring heart of all; 

along with such a positive, loving attitude. 

 

She surely is 

                    a survivor. 

 

 

 

ROCK BOTTOM

“Ken”, seventy years old, suffers from Alcohol Cirrhosis.  He has been drinking since he was a teen.   He has been in a recent decline where his quality of life is all but gone.  He has burned a lot of bridges along the way.  His only support now is his daughter.  She had been estranged from him, but when she heard he was ill, she strongly came back into his life for support. 

 

We all have heard that an alcoholic will stop drinking when, and if, they hit rock bottom.  Ken continues to drink, but then why should anyone judge him.  He likely has only a few months to live; why not let him do things his way?  Just a thought. 

ROCK BOTTOM 

 

 

We admitted him to hospice today. 

He’s been in a dramatic decline. 

He is so thin; just a bit over 100 pounds; 

as now eats only one-fourth of his meals. 

 

He has had multiple, recent falls 

as weakness has hit him hard. 

His walk is unsteady and slow; 

needing someone now to hold on. 

 

His diagnosis is Alcoholic Cirrhosis. 

He’s been drinking since he was a teen. 

He likely has had a few sober moments, 

but, for now, he continues to drink. 

 

We must all have a rock bottom; 

a level some may refuse to accept. 

It may be just one drink for some, 

while others continue the flow. 

 

His answer to life’s problems 

has typically been all about alcohol. 

His quality of life, now; has become quite absent. 

Not surprisingly to family and friends; 

                    he is continuing to drink. 

 

Allow him to drink if that is his choice. 

His life will be over much too soon. 

Give him peace; give him comfort 

whether it is pain medication 

                    or another bottle of booze.