I did two back-to-back admissions today. What amazed me was how each patient had so many similar life experiences. They chose a similar profession and suffered from the same illness. Even with all the coincidences, the best part was that both were also receiving unconditional love from their families. Nothing is better than that.
KINDRED SPIRITS
He turned ninety-two yesterday.
The celebration was low key and quiet
as eight years ago, they heard Alzheimer’s.
Now, he has been in a recent two-week decline.
He had been living in a care facility,
but two months ago, because of his downturn,
the family moved him to their home.
They felt comfortable caring for him.
He was an Aeronautical Engineer by trade.
“He was so smart. He was a genius”.
Now he has no appetite and is so weak.
He is non-verbal and “Sleeping so much”.
My next admission amazed me by coincidence.
Today is his eighty-third birthday.
His celebration, too, was low key
as he has had Alzheimer’s, as well, for nine years.
He had been living in the same care facility.
One year ago, his wife, too, moved him from there.
He also was an engineer; doing Water Resource.
She similarly stated, “He was so intellectual.
He has lost his brilliance”.
He, too, has had a recent decline.
He is eating very little as swallowing is a challenge.
He is weak and, also, is sleeping most of the time.
She knows his time is short.
The similarities were amazing.
It was like I heard the same story twice
as their life history was so much alike.
They didn’t know each other, but I am so sure;
They are kindred spirits.
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