cur-mud-geon:
anyone who hates hypocrisy and pretense and has the temerity to say so; anyone with the habit of pointing out unpleasant facts in an engaging and humorous manner
I’ve written of John in an earlier Blog and am saddened to advise that he is in the final stage of his life on earth. He has a strong faith and both he and his family are dealing with this change with a level of courage that is wonderful to witness.
I have been aware of the hospice movement that has blossomed over the past decade or more, but I’ve not seen it “up close and personal” as the saying goes. That has changed, however, as I have spent countless hours with my buddy as we’ve talked about everything and nothing.
The first hospice selected by John didn’t work at all well for him. He can be a bit of a rascal, but not so that I placed any blame for a bad relationship on him. The first hospice was neglectful, the people assigned were changed seemingly every few days, promises made were not kept and medicines were not delivered on a timely basis, etc., etc.
John finally had had enough and “fired” that organization. One of his caregivers suggested another hospice company, and John said that he’d have a try with one more but it had better be a much better experience or he’d fire them, too. The second will go unnamed, as well, except that John’s wish would be for his nurse to receive personal recognition.
John’s second experience has been one that has redeemed the hospice movement from my perspective. His nurse, Tina, is a wonderful person; she is there when she says she’ll be there. She is available whenever John or his family calls her. She soon became a member of the family…virtually from day one. And, she ministers to John as his needs dictate.
John’s journey through the wilderness of a terminal disease has certainly been no picnic. He has, however, no more concerns over his care for he knows that Tina and her whole support group are with him. As his needs change from day-to-day, those needs are met. I told Tina that I didn’t know how a person could do the good work she does, and she told me that it became her mission following a serious accident where “angels of mercy” miraculously appeared to help her and her family.
Thank God for those angels of mercy.
