As you might know, for the better part of the last 2 weeks, I’ve been with my mother while she is in hospice. Last week was my “spring break” from college and so I was able to be at the hospice for the entire week – couldn’t have planned that one any better if I had tried. My plan going forward is to come back to New Hampshire for Monday – Wednesday to teach my classes and then return to Connecticut for Thursday to Sunday for as long as it takes.
Fortunately I have a flexible schedule where I can swing this. My kids are older and can take care of themselves – although they have wondered what happened to the leprechaun who normally visits our house to leave treats on St. Patrick’s day and now they are *really* getting worried about the Easter Bunny missing our house this year.
(Between you and me, I’m not sure anyone has to worry about a thing for Easter.)
Although my father was in hospice last year, I never got down to see him (I was able to visit 3 days before he went into the hospital following a fall.) I have to say that I’ve learned a lot about hospice and about the care for and respect of the dying. With understanding, there can be great grace and beauty in death.
But it’s not easy. Some people process experiences by drinking, some by acting out and some by talking it over (and over) with good friends. As a writer, you probably already know that I process things by writing about them. I have tons and tons of stories and lessons to share about the hospice experience and what I’ve learned. You can bet that when the time is right, I’ll be sharing those stories with all of you.
In the meantime though, I’m a little on automatic. I have a class tonight, two tomorrow and then I hit the road early on Thursday morning to be back with my mom.
Thank you all for your very kind wishes and prayers. Every single one is felt.
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Wendy Thomas writes about the lessons learned while raising children and chickens in New Hampshire. Contact her at [email protected]
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