PRACTICAL

  

“Laura” and “Jim” have been married for many years.  Both have the same straight-forward personality.      Without blaming each other, each will state their truth, no matter what.   It is obvious how much they care and love each other as they respect each other’s words.   

The good, the bad and the ugly were all stated in a straight-forward way.  It has always worked well for them.   

 

PS.  I gave Jim a call today as Laura died in the early morning hours following our visit.  Jim said that he was sitting by her side when she called his name and then took her final breath.  Jim spoke about the love he is receiving from his family.  Again, he is looking at life in a positive way.  He knew she was ready to go, and he has comfort knowing she is now at peace. 

PRACTICAL 

 

She has had heart failure for many years. 

Her gait is now wobbly due to recent weakness. 

Lately she has become more short of breath. 

When the nurse recommended oxygen today; 

                              she strongly stated, “No!” 

 

She is real; she is practical; she states her truth. 

When asked how she is coping with it all, we heard, 

“I want it to be over. 

                              I am done”. 

 

They have been married for almost 62 years. 

She summed up her marriage by stating, 

“We are two chiefs here; not useful.” 

Each marriage needs one chief and one Indian”. 

 

I tease folks and say the only thing to remember is to call us. 

It helps us when they call about needs or changes. 

The second time I said it today, I heard him kindly say, 

“I heard you say that before.  I did remember.” 

.  

He also speaks his truth, but with a positive attitude. 

When I asked him what helps him cope, he easily stated,  

“Every day is a holiday.  

                               Every feast is a bouquet.” 

 

Being positive gives him support  

as when I was leaving, 

 I heard him say in a very practical way, 

                              “Keep smiling.” 

 

             

 

 

HIS NEED

 “Blake”, fifty-nine years old, has been hospitalized for several days.  Blake has a long history of meth abuse which has strongly impacted his health.  He now suffers from hepatitis and congested heart failure.  The hospital doctor made a referral to our hospice.  Blake had been living in a shelter.  Our hospice runs a shelter for homeless who are terminal.  Due to Joshua’s House policy, hospice staff need to meet with the patient prior to the admission to our program to see if he does meet the terminal prognosis. 

 

I met Blake at the hospital this afternoon.  He was interested in hospice and Joshua’s House, but his main concern throughout the conversation was about food.  Being homeless, I am sure that was a high priority.  He knew what he needed and when getting that, he was happy.  His life now is simple and in such a way which helps him cope. 

HIS NEED 

 

He had a job, a family, and a home. 

Unfortunately, his need switched to meth. 

He abused it for years and now has 

hepatitis and congested heart failure. 

 

He has burned bridges with his family. 

Only one daughter stays in touch. 

He has no income; he has no home. 

His needs are aplenty more. 

 

He is now terminal with likely months to live. 

I spoke to him about hospice and Joshua’s House; 

a shelter we run for homeless who are terminal. 

His only question about it was, “Do they have food there?” 

 

He has no fears or concerns as says 

“Nobody knows when one is going to die”. 

A nurse walked in during out conversation; 

he quickly interrupted, “Can I have two ice creams?” 

 

When I asked him about how we can help, 

he struggled with how to respond; 

then strongly replied, “Talk to my daughter. 

She makes all my decisions for me”. 

 

Like most of us, he has come from a place with many needs. 

If we asked him to tell us about his current wants; 

we will likely hear only one word; 

and somehow, I know, that word would simply be 

                                    “Food!”