We can’t do it alone, we all need help on the journey.
(Picture taken at House Of Hope, S. Korea)
Today was a rough day emotionally. I know in the medical field you shouldn’t have favorites, but I have to admit there are some patients that feel more like family. One “family” member is in the hospital right now. The orders are to discharge to hospice (which for me usually means, they won’t be going home again). her family, understandably so, is dodging the hospice nurse. They aren’t ready, she’s not ready, I am not ready for that matter. After a visit which ’bout broke my heart. I started to wonder why I do this, why did I chose to work in a place that brings some much loss? Loss that even when I pretend it is fine, never is. About an hour after my visit with that “family” member. Another member of the family came in. Two years ago, she had the same discharge orders (hospice). She had cancer everywhere…brain, spine, and breast. She had to walk with a walker, she could not stand on her own and at one point she had such bad mental impairment she couldn’t complete sentences. Today she drove herself to the office visit, she was joking about her children, and she is thankful everyday for every single breath she breaths. As I was talking to her, that still voice reminded me…That right there is why I do this. Because while there is pain in this job, there is also HOPE. Hope is why I do this…everyday we fight, we give someone who may not have otherwise had it…HOPE.
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
So what’s my plan of attack? Hold on to HOPE.
My dear friend had a meeting with hospice last week, and we are all grieving while trying to hold on to hope. Your post was timely for me to read. Thank you.
That is such a blessing to hear. I had originally started to write something else, but felt that this was what I needed to write about. I will be praying for your friend, the family, and you. God bless.
I volunteer with providence hospice in Portland Oregon and have been doing it every week for the past three years. I am continually amazed at the amount of joy one can experience while at end of life. I have far more laughs than I do tears while volunteering. I had one patient that was pretty far along in dementia. She would hallucinate and was not aware at all of her surroundings. I was studying for a business class during my visit and she asked to see my book. She looks at it for several minutes, “business management. Wont need that any time soon.” She was always making jokes and was such a joy to be around. She eventually went off Hospice and I think is still alive. But going on Hospice just means that you are choosing to be saturated in the moment. I think it is one of the most beautiful time in a persons life.
I understand your point of view completely, but when we send patients it is for end of life care. So it is always a little sad for me. Thanks for your comment and your view of hospice. I wish more people understood it the way you do. 🙂