Goodbye Mrs O

A block away from my clients house I was accosted by the VON nurse who let me know that my client had died (She recognized me from previous visits). Me and the nurse exchanged pleasantries for a moment and I continued toward the house. A moment later my cell rang. It was the hospice calling they had gotten an urgent message from the family the night before, but it was left in the wrong mail box so they where just getting to it at noon. Could I please call back and tell them what had happened.?

I got to the house and Mrs. O’s Husband greeted me. Mrs O, was still in her hospital bed in the living room. Someone had tucked her in with a lovely quilt and she looked restful and at peace.

With red welling eyes, Mr O thanked me profusely for my help and promised to send the arrangement details to the hospice.

I felt almost guilty accepting his thanks. Mrs O was a very quiet, easy to care for client. She had been struck with melanoma that had metastasized to her brain. She demanded nothing and was very grateful for the very few things she would let me do for her. Most of the time I sat by her bed side and knitted while the two of us watched TV.

Goodbye Mrs O
Rest In Peace