Tears.
Late night Hospice visits from nurses.
Thankfully Andy* and Lynn* have been around a TON this past week, outside their own stuff to help both of us. Errands, movies, laughs, from the little to the big. It's vital to have those friends who will be there for you. Like making a commitment to Wash and then keeping it. For months/years. He needs that in his life (outside just me) and at least we have close friends who can fill that need.
Same with being respected. A patient says, "I can't do this", it's best not to question. Unless you are the patients' doctor.
I've met some awesome Hospice workers this week. I'm very thankful for that.
Wash has asked me to keep specific things out of public for right now.
I'm glad for friends at times like these.
//
*Not their real names
Posts
Andy and Lynn sound like true *angels*, Tashi............ in human guise!!
ReplyDeleteYour words are very resonant to me about others RESPECTING an individual patient; and not questioning (or SECOND-GUESSING!!) an individual patient's MAJOR, Personal Health Decisions~~(i.e., most particularly a patient with poor Wash's pain and prognosis!!)~~when he/she says, "I can't do this." That precise Patient Declaration is just *p.r.o.f.o.u.n.d.l.y.* important............ TO respect, as you know.
Sometimes----sometimes----after a patient has chosen The Best Course Of Action for himself/herself, (i.e., after the patient's doctor has "laid out" ALL of the Available Options); and an "other" person............ no matter WHAT, or how CLOSE, an "other" person's relationship is to the patient............ *S.T.I.L.L.* is causing the poor patient UNTOLD GRIEF/STRESS............ well, sometimes the patient's Psychotherapist and/or Social Worker can effectively *RUN INTERFERENCE* here with the "other" person............ so that the end of the poor patient's life~~(this is harsh)~~isn't any more emotionally/perceptually *M.I.S.E.R.A.B.L.E.* for him/her............ than it absolutely has to be, you know!!
You (instead), dear Tashi, are g.e.n.u.i.n.e.l.y. a loving, devoted, and awesome Alleviator Of Misery for Wash............ no doubt about it!!
Prayers and {{{*hugs*}}} to you & Wash both -