I Found These Words

A few days ago, a client of mine had decided that that day was the day he wanted to go into hospice. It had been discussed previously but was decided upon in an instant. Family members were buzzing around getting some personal items; pictures, comfort items. These things were things he wanted with him when he died. In my heart of hearts, I believe he wanted to go die and not do so at the expense of his family or me (his caregiver), furthering his cause of not wanting to be a burden to his family. This is the man for whom "Pride Never Dies" was written for.

As I helped pack some things for them, and helped load my client in a vehicle, I shook hands with some of the family, them thanking me profusely for everything I had done for their father. I brushed these thanks aside trying to make them focus more on getting to point B. I said nothing, however, to my client. In the chaos that was his departure, I didn't say goodbye. In all reality, I didn't know what to say. What do you say to someone that was going off to die? I was at a loss. So I said a prayer as I watched him ride away. For the next 24 hours, I was still thinking about what I didn't say, and more importantly, who I didn't say it to. So I sat down and wrote a letter to his son and wife, in the hopes that it would circulate amongst the siblings I had come to know. I wrote them this:

I wanted to take a moment to write you a quick note, not only to let you know how honored I was to help to take care of your father, but also how incredible it was to meet all of you in the process.

Your father is a great man, full of kindness, patience, and love. As soft spoken as he was, his words are full of life. It was apparent that the well-being of others was far more important than the well-being of himself. This was something I saw in all of his children; taking care of the father just as the father had taken care of his children many years ago.

I do not know why God makes ill the ones we love the most. All we can ever ask for is that when that day comes, that there is no pain, no suffering, and that they go in peace, knowing that they are in a better place. My hope for you, and the family that remains is that you celebrate the life that was lived, and that memories left behind help you get through the harder times that may lie ahead. I pray not only for your father's comfort but for your comfort as well. God bless.

I am not sure of the outcome of this letter. I am not expecting anything to come of it. I just felt I needed to say something...and I hope it can help someone when the time comes, even if that someone is me.