Always say "I love you"

I'm working with a patient now..His time on earth is very limited but he doesn't accept it..Just a side story..wife reports over this past weekend her husband told her that Jesus knocked on his door...When I asked what did he (the patient do) he replied..I didn't let him in, I didn't have any chairs for him .

Of couse the patient is speaking symbolically..many of us have opportunities to "open the door" but not let Christ in..so much for that sermon..back to the always saying I love you.

I grew up in a family that was not very demonstrative. Hugs and signs of affection were not a part of our daily life. I do remember father allowing his daughters to peck him on his cheeck as we headed upstairs to bed..but memory doesn't recall much more.

Many years later, married..widowed..in serious condition at Methodist Hospital in Indianopolis I recall my father crying softly at the foot of my bed..He whispered , "I loved him so much."
This to me was amazing for Hollis had commented that he did not think my father liked him...
Message to family...grab the person next to you and tell them how much you love them..this may be your last chance to let Christ through the door.

Angels are still flying

This morning at work the chaplain held staff support. No big deal but he encouraged the staff to share some of their experiences. The following is a story told by one of our youngest nurses.

The patient was a young mother..relativly young...but cancer had returned and with a vengence. Pain control is paramount to we hospice nurses and this woman's pain was almost uncontrollable..along with wilting seizures due to advancing brain tumors.

The primary nurse had sought advice from doctors, pharmacists and older nurses to find a way to help control the pain..Her efforts were futile but her support and attention to this family and patient was commendable..Our young nurse was sure that her patient's life would soon end..The family called her at home and she directed them in coping with the seizures..as soon as she released them from the phone she was on her way to their home.

She arrived and walked through the door expecting hysteria..instead the daughters grabbed her and hugged her..Mama was gone..but they had never seen anything so awesome..Just before death this lady awoke and very congnizent started to pray out loud..asking Jesus to take her home and declared her love for Him..There was a pause..she said "...ohhh, how beautiful!"..and took her last breath..

We all had tears and were touched by the time the story ended..this is why we stay in hospice.