Emilio

Emilio

Emilio is one of the men I take care of.  He is probably one of the gentlest men you would ever want to meet.  Always agreeable, even in the midst of suffering; no small feat in my opinion, and a rare trait to be found in a few, which is understandable, and not really expected in the one suffering from whatever discomfort.  Suffering does throw us back onto ourselves, to the point that in some that is all that they can think of.  In doing so, they can make life difficult for those around them, even if that is not their intention, or desire.

Caregivers know this and don't take it personal when one of their charges lashes out at them since it is not something personal, but based on someone experiencing deep suffering.  Suffering can wear out those who are experiencing it, drag them down; make them depressed, angry and withdrawn. 

Emilio has never been that way.  He seems incapable of that kind of reaction to his suffering, but tries in every way to work with us in order to be able to work it through.  He was a teacher in Cuba when the revolution happened, and was imprisoned for a couple of months by Castro.  When he was released he came to Miami and was a teacher and was well known in some circles.  He still receives visitors from time to time from Miami. 

He seems for the most part at peace about the procedure that he will go through today, though he knows that he will have a few rough days after the operation.  He will be in the hospital from 7-10 days, and will need someone with him for the first two or three.  They are going to insert a stomach tube through his nose, and there is a tendency for the patient to pull it out because of the confusion brought about by the anesthesia.  So I will with him all day today till 8PM.  I will be replaced for 12 hours and then go back tomorrow till about 2PM.  If he still needs a watcher we will proceed from there.  His age could dictate a longer period that he needs to be watched, since his confusion could last longer than it would for a younger person.

I am amazed at his calmness, something I am sure that I would not have if it was me going through this procedure.  He is a man of deep faith, prayerful, kind, thoughtful and insightful, so he has a lot of maturity that he is bringing with him to the table.  I suppose his whole life has prepared him for this moment.  It is no accident that he is this way, his maturity is based on a multitude of small choices over the years, that have led him to be the man he is today.  Growing old in a gracefull manner is not an accident, at least in my opinion.

The doctor says that he sees no real problem with the operation.  He will not be able to eat or drink for three day, but after that he should be able to eat normally.  There is one problem that came up after his pre-op; they found his EKG abnormal.  His surgery had to be put off for a couple of days until he saw a heart doctor.  He is cleared, but I guess the 95 percent surety is probably a little lower than before, but the doctor is still confident.  In any case he has to have the operation since the tumor is growing.   

Hopefully Emilio will recover and his gentle spirit will still be experienced by all those who have the honor of knowing him.

Peace
mitch

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