HER WAY

Penny, 85 years old, has suffered from Breast Cancer that has metastasized to her bones.  She suffered a femur fracture due to the bone Mets.   She has been bedridden for two months since that event.   Penny has always been so independent and lived alone until the fracture. 

I had not seen her since I did the admission over a month ago.  Today, she again, looked wonderful as was vital and spunky like before.  At the end of our talk together, she threw in some humor.  I then said, “When it is my time to be at the gate, please make sure it is unlocked.”  She, with a cute smile, answered, “I will surely do so”.

The nurse and I were there for two hours.  Walking out the front door is when sadness hit me.  She was such a wonderful human being.  What a loss for all of us.

 

Addendum: Three days later, I spoke with Penny’s daughter offering condolences and support.  She and her family wee “doing okay but having sad moments”.  The daughter thanked me for spending time with her mom.  Penny told them all that our talk was “comforting”.  This is, for sure, one patient and family that I will always cherish and remember.

HER WAY

 

 

She planned on taking the meds today
so asked for us to be there at 11:45.

Her three daughters and a niece were there.

“Mom needs to talk to Marilou now.

Let the rest of us leave the bedroom.”

She spoke about her endless suffering.

“Every moment is a continuous struggle now.”

She then shared stories about her daughters,

her grandchildren and great-grandchildren too.

I then thanked her for the gift she gave me; 

requesting that I come today to give support. 

“Please also give my daughters support. 

I want them to be okay after I am gone.”

 

She took the lone pill one hour before as directed. 

It is for nausea that is caused by the other pills. 

At 1:15, she so easily swallowed the EOL tablets.  

Within a few minutes she was unconscious.

 

I said goodbye to the patient as we were leaving.   

Let go when the time is right for you to do so.” 

The daughters really appreciated us coming while saying, 

Thank you so much for the support you gave our mom.”

 

We left at 1:45 and thirty minutes later, she was gone.  

The daughters weren’t surprised that she made this choice 

as she has always lived her life;

                   and now her death;

                                            Her Way.