BILL

The hospice nurse and I admitted “Les” to our hospice today.  He showed us a serious side when asking questions about medication and pain control.  He also had a very funny side.  His delivery was so amazing which made me laugh that much harder.  I bet 90%, if not more, people use humor to cope.  It sure does take the edge off.  This is one patient I will always remember.  His humor was amazing.

BILL 

 He was diagnosed with cancer 

over seventeen years ago. 

Now it has spread to other organs, 

so, we admitted him to hospice today. 

 

He is so realistic about it all saying, 

“I thought it might be my time. 

I’m living life usually in the moment; 

                              in the day”. 

 

He would be serious at times, 

when talking about medications; 

then suddenly his humor would kick in 

making all of us laugh so hard. 

 

Before he signed the insurance form, 

I explained that Medicare pays 100%. 

He wanted more clarity, so then I added, 

                              “You will never see a bill”. 

 

Presenting in a serious mode, he went on, 

“You say a lot of folks will be coming over; 

a nurse, a social worker and an aide. 

Well, I guess there won’t be a Bill”. 

 

I laughed so hard no sound came out. 

He loved the look on my face. 

He then sweetly added, “I have anxiety at night. 

Tonight, to help with that, I will visualize your face”. 

 

At each admission, I always explain the coverage; 

to give families some peace of mind. 

I hope I don’t non-stop laugh the next time I say, 

                              “You will never see a bill”. 

HIS LEGACY

“George” suffered from lung cancer.  Due to life experiences, he became realistic and handled life with courage and strength.  He experienced some horrific moments.  His wife admired him as he was aware of each experience and, in order to survive, knew what to do.   

So often, one’s illness grabs all of one's attention.  It engulfs each day.  I love it when families tell stories as each one of us has one.  Those life stories are our legacy; not our illness. 

HIS LEGACY 

 

He has had lung cancer for over four years. 

He had been doing well until this past week. 

He became bedridden and eating very little. 

It was then a hospice referral was made. 

 

The hospice nurse went out in the evening. 

She knew he didn’t have long. 

He was in a deep sleep and looked comfortable. 

Twenty minutes after she left, he was gone. 

 

His wife knew he would do it his way 

as that is how he has always lived his life. 

Once he knew hospice was there to support her, 

he then felt comfortable letting go. 

 

She spoke about his life and his struggles. 

He was born in Poland during the Holocaust.   

At one month old, his family, for days, 

rode a cattle car ending in Siberia. 

 

“Experiencing that horrific time, he became tough. 

He has always handled life realistically with strength. 

I have always been so proud of his courage. 

He waited for me to walk out of his room, then let go.” 

 

“With my children around, I am doing okay. 

I know he was ready; it was his time. 

I am from a large family experiencing many losses. 

                              I am well practiced with grief.” 

 

“His illness recently grabbed all our attention, 

but he is so much more than his diagnosis. 

He is his life; his experiences; his strength. 

That is his legacy which will last 

                              forever.”