I've been dealing with end of life issues with my neighbor of 2.5 yrs and good 85 yr old friend, diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. I did as much as I possibly could for her and finally had to make the decision to place her in a care center. She never wanted to go but, she made the decision easy for me.
My neighbors think I am a 'good' person with all I am doing for her. What no-one seems to understand is, being her 'person' during her end of life is a very simple thing to do for someone so special that has enriched my life and in so many ways, blessed me with her presence giving such sage advice, without force or effort, in gentle kind words.
I wish everyone's life could be as blessed as I've been.
Today, her 90 year old sister called to tell me she went to the New York library to read of my disease and called me with advice. She told me, "It said, everyone should have a little Patchez (my little dog), dogs are good for patients with M.S." Then she laughed and said, "I bet you didn't know I knew Patchez name?" Followed with, "There are all kinds of medicines for MS but, it said Medicinal Marijuana is one of them.
I am so glad you use that!"
That is just a very small sample of how these two elderly women have made such a profound impression on my life. Being responsible for one and having the support of her sister and both telling me to take care of myself, first!
3 days ago my friend "Annie" that I placed, I go sit with her every evening, I am able-regardless of where she is or who was her "person" and have for well over a year. i just always knew, I wanted to be there as her friend during the process of end of life. This past Wednesday, my friend Anne looked at me and said, "Something looks different about your face. humm, what is it...You look so refreshed and calm." Today her sister in New York said, "JPT you sound so much better now, than you did the first time I talked to you. You were tired and run down for helping Annie and I wondered how this person with MS sounding so run-down and weak was going to be able to help my sister. Your voice sounds the best it ever has."
These two strong women have done so much more than allow me to help, they've helped me in spades compared to what I've been able to do.
last Sunday I was beginning to miss and start feeling such a strong sense of impending loss and through that, I've become a much stronger person. Surrounding myself with people that will be here, beyond the life ending and I have people here at IC and at home supporting and helping me, I could not do this alone. I know, "I have this" and "I can do this," finding strength through the people that are around me, when I know I am weak.
A big thanks to those of you here, that are helping me through this, I'll never forget any of the advice and support.
jpt
My neighbors think I am a 'good' person with all I am doing for her. What no-one seems to understand is, being her 'person' during her end of life is a very simple thing to do for someone so special that has enriched my life and in so many ways, blessed me with her presence giving such sage advice, without force or effort, in gentle kind words.
I wish everyone's life could be as blessed as I've been.
Today, her 90 year old sister called to tell me she went to the New York library to read of my disease and called me with advice. She told me, "It said, everyone should have a little Patchez (my little dog), dogs are good for patients with M.S." Then she laughed and said, "I bet you didn't know I knew Patchez name?" Followed with, "There are all kinds of medicines for MS but, it said Medicinal Marijuana is one of them.
That is just a very small sample of how these two elderly women have made such a profound impression on my life. Being responsible for one and having the support of her sister and both telling me to take care of myself, first!
3 days ago my friend "Annie" that I placed, I go sit with her every evening, I am able-regardless of where she is or who was her "person" and have for well over a year. i just always knew, I wanted to be there as her friend during the process of end of life. This past Wednesday, my friend Anne looked at me and said, "Something looks different about your face. humm, what is it...You look so refreshed and calm." Today her sister in New York said, "JPT you sound so much better now, than you did the first time I talked to you. You were tired and run down for helping Annie and I wondered how this person with MS sounding so run-down and weak was going to be able to help my sister. Your voice sounds the best it ever has."
These two strong women have done so much more than allow me to help, they've helped me in spades compared to what I've been able to do.
last Sunday I was beginning to miss and start feeling such a strong sense of impending loss and through that, I've become a much stronger person. Surrounding myself with people that will be here, beyond the life ending and I have people here at IC and at home supporting and helping me, I could not do this alone. I know, "I have this" and "I can do this," finding strength through the people that are around me, when I know I am weak.
A big thanks to those of you here, that are helping me through this, I'll never forget any of the advice and support.
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grace and dignity, in dying.
jpt
I feel like a better person, just having the honor to know her.
We are all 
