Another wait

Another wait

12.03.08 (3:01 pm)   [edit]




Another wait


Well this may be the time for Philip, though I have learned from past episodes that he could still pull though. Philip is almost 90 and he has been with us for the last 16 years on his slow journey towards his final day. He always gets very weak, unresponsive, almost seems about to die and then rallies and comes back to us. I guess this cycle has gone on for about three years, so it is just a matter of waiting and seeing. We think his pacemaker may have something to do with it, for it will not allow the heart to go below 60 beats a minute, if it does, it will attempt (successfully so far) to shock the heart into restarting, so he is still with us.

I sat with him last night for a couple of hours, just watching him breathe and praying. He was in no pain nor was their any anxiety present. We called the hospice nurse and she came in about 8pm. With hospice, they make sure you have all the medicine (s) you need for comfort, which includes pain and anxiety prescriptions. With Philip I don’t think we will need them much, but it is good to have them just incase. Right now all that we can do is to wet his lips and if we can, the inside of his mouth, and just pray and wait to see what happens.

We just had another death two weeks ago. Emilio was not with us as long as Philip, about 5 years, but he is missed, as I am sure so will Philip. I can remember him before the ravages of his Alzheimer’s finally took over. Yet even then the sweetness of his character never left him. I often call him the Bishop, because when he is up in his chair he has a certain dignity about him, and he does give off a very beautiful smile. For the last few months Rita, Elda, Jean, Bernie and Ann, our CNA”s, have had to feed him which can take some time, either because his appetite has gone down, or he has for forgotten how, but he does eat well when helped.

Rose the head nurse here has been around all night, she is like that, and when one is sick or dying she is always close by. A very dedicated healer in every sense of the word, we are lucky to have her here. Also Neda our LPN, who is also very skillful and loving in her care for those whom fall under her concern. We are truly blessed to have such good nurses on the staff. They also work very well together.

On his desk there is an old picture of his whole family. I guess it was taken in the late 30’s, for they are all very young. The youngest, his name is Ray, seems to be about 12, and the last one besides Philip still living. I talk to him on the phone and keep him updated. He has informed me that there is no one who will be able to come to the funeral. Ray has health problems and the rest who remember him are also too old to make the long trip here.

To take care of our elderly is a true honor, for they have given much during their lives, and deserve attention, given in love and respect.