here's a poem that i wrote for my deceased grandmother as she was in a hospice dying
I hope you all like it
here i lie in bed again, awaiting my next meal.
a worker barges in my room, as if it's no big deal.
whatever happened to curtesy? just a little knock
do you think i'm just a vegetable, laying here like a rock?
whatever happened to manners? i haven't got a clue
BUT KEEP IN MIND AND DON'T FORGET THAT I'M A PERSON TOO
i know i can not talk, or even joke around
but i am well aware of everything and also every sound.
if you have another worker help, change me during rounds
please don't talk about me as if i'm not around
treat me with respect, the same i give to you
KEEP IN MIND AND DON'T FORGET THAT I'M A PERSON TOO
my bones are stiff and achy, i hear you say i'm contracted
my belly hurts, i haven't pooped, i hope i'm not impacted
i'm sorry i may drool and at times i even stare
it's not easy being old, aging isn't fair
these are the cards God dealt me, there's nothing i can do
JUST KEEP IN MIND AND DON'T FORGET THAT I'M A PERSON TOO
i used to be a lively one, just like your pretty self
i traveled, married, and worked long hours until i lost my health.
i press my call light to see a face, or just for company for someone just to look inside, and realize that i am me
you always walk past my light, what am i to do?
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT I'M A PERSON TOO
i am sorry that i messed the bed, i feel like such a baby
i'm so embarrassed and ashamed that i am doing this at age 80
i'm sorry that i couldn't hold it, i didn't know what to do
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND AND DON'T FORGET THAT I'M A PERSON TOO
i wish that i was able to communicate someway
so finally i get the chance to say what i want to say.
i hear you talk with other patients so please don't walk away
if everyone showed a little compassion i wouldn't feel this way
my name is Ruth, and i am all alone.
cancer took my husband, he had it in his bones
we had two children, and my precious son until his life was taken by a gun.
so here i am, no family left, as loneliness weighs heavy on my chest.
i may be sad, i may be blue
BUT PLEASE REMEMBER THAT I'M A PERSON TOO
next time my light is on, come in and see if i'm ok
i really would love to hear about your day