THE SAME

“Juan” is the caregiver of his elderly mother, who being ninety-two years old, is failing to thrive.  His mother, “Maria”, is on our Palliative Care program.  I went out to do a routine visit to meet up with Juan.  

 

Juan started to talk about his spiritual beliefs.  I could so relate as I, too, am very spiritual. The words Juan used were so similar to how I deeply feel.  It was amazing.  He shared stories about his spiritual moments.   I was able to share with him a few of my spiritual moments as well.   

 

One of my most memorable, spiritual moment was about the first visit I made to a man in his fifties.  He was actively dying.  It was then I asked his mother and family if they would like a chaplain to come.  She and the family said yes.  I called one of our chaplains who did answer the phone.  Quite often we get voice mail as staff are visiting patients.  She was five minutes away and walked in a few moments later. 

 

As she and the family gathered around the patient, I stood nearby.  One of the patient's brothers had previously died.  I cannot explain it, but I saw his brother up in the corner of the ceiling.    A little bit later, as I was leaving, I went to the patient’s mother to ask how she was doing.  She answered, “I am doing just fine as,” while pointing to the ceiling where I was looking, “My other son is here”. 

 

Many of us are guided by our spirituality beliefs, which I so believe is a connection to the other side. 

THE SAME 

 

English is his second language 

as he was born in Mexico.  

He is a generation behind me, 

but we are so much the same. 

 

It comes naturally for him to say his truth, 

but he is also so aware to not be unkind. 

He spoke about his struggles with his father, 

and how his beliefs guided him through. 

 

He shared his Catholic upbringing 

which led him to his strong spiritual beliefs. 

Like when he woke up from his heart surgery; 

his deceased brother appeared by his side. 

 

He spoke about several other spiritual moments; 

which is a natural part of who he is. 

I then was able to share a few of mine; 

which he so understood and appreciated to hear. 

 

We are of different cultures and backgrounds. 

He is twenty years younger than me. 

But then, our spirituality brings us close together. 

Yes, we are so definitely  

                    the same.