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”.