For 3 days I sat with her. She didn't move, she didn't speak, she didn't eat, she didn't drink, she didn't even blink. Her heart was slipping in and out of a-fib. She was 76 years old with end stage parkinsons. What was she waiting for? Who's permission? What event had to occur?
Her mother is 99. For 3 days she came to visit, hold her hand, talk to her baby girl. At the end of each day mom would kiss her cheek and tell her child "See you tomorrow".
The womans eyes began to dry out, her breathing, as labored and wheezing as any I have heard, continues. Blood pressure has dropped and risen again like a yoyo. Her heart rate is never lower than too fast, and never stronger than weak. What can she be waiting for?
The third day, the mother comes in. At the end of her visit she whispers to her child "If you see your father tonight, take his hand and follow wherever he leads."
At the next repositioning, I see my patients arm move. Her hand reaches, and curls slightly, and she's gone. Just like that.
Courage is in all paths of life, the battle field, the birthing room, the death bed. We all have courage, let this example give you the heart to find your own brand of courage.
COMMENTS
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Vampirewitch39
16:59 May 06 2010
Thank you for this, really needed it today. *hugs*
sahahria
16:27 Jul 14 2010
We all need reminders some times, thank you.