What a strange way to start my first post. Let me explain.
I work among the very elderly. Death is a part of what I do, and although it’s not an every day occurrence, it happens. And I must confess, I’m not very good at it, even after all these years. It’s always hard to say “good-bye.”
A few weeks ago, one of my residents became gravely ill with pneumonia. In a day’s time, she was hovering on the brink of death, and everything within me screamed, “NO!” A few days before we had visited and talked of my grandchild, and she’d attended my knitting group. We’d talked of politics and the news. The next day, she was struggling for breath and didn’t recognise me.
I think you have to work with these people to understand. Even though they are aged and frail, when their quality of life is good, and my joy each day is to bring a smile to their faces, it’s hard to let go. When I went into her room a few days later, and she had responded to the antibiotics and called my name, I was ecstatic. She was back.
A week of recovery, and she began to attend my programs. Last Friday, I had a luncheon that she was able to attend and enjoy. Yesterday she wasn’t feeling well, and stayed in bed. Today, she left us.
But it’s alright. That week, when I was able to serve her one last time, and see her smile, was my small miracle. Today, she is with her Saviour, and full of joy. That is her miracle, and not a small one!
Have you had someone in your life who has left their footprint? Tell us about them.