June 2013 Blog Posts (3)

This has been one of the most heart-wrenching weeks of work for me in a while. One story to share. I was admitting a woman in her 50's (who is expected to live 4 weeks at the most) to hospice services. These appointments generally last close to 4 hours, and much of my 26 pages of paperwork doesn't take lots of brain cells. I take cues from the patient and family as to how much "extra" conversation in which to engage. I felt a particular kinship with this patient, and we talked about…

Today is my 48th birthday. That number gets noticed in my family. And not in a good way.



In some ways, it has taken on a somewhat dark significance. Mother died suddenly at the age 48. She appeared healthy, but there was a silent aneurysm that ruptured and killed her. Four other family members also died at this age--two from very similar causes. The doctors agreed that her siblings, my brother and sister and I, and our cousins should all get tested for signs of a…

Heavy lids wish to rest

But it is not time yet

Staring at the clock on the wall

I see that it is 7:43 in the evening

The sun is setting, the moon is rising

But it is not time yet

Time tells me there is much to do

A long day is nearly behind me

I wish to rest now

But it's not time…