Lighthouse Hospice Courtyard
The doorway grudgingly releases her bed
Pulled into the shade of an October day
The soulscaper calls it Chamber of Commerce weather
The pathfinder leads on
Now I’m aware of 150-year Live Oaks
Guarding the courtyard in solemn respect
Bark of steel once shielded Old Ironsides from enemy fire
Cannonballs could not destroy
Do they feel what passes through this place?
The shade is a world apart from the Texas sun
The Cackle Birds continue their happy-hour conversations
Squirrels jump and rest
Acorns lose their grip and submit to fall
Nearby workers move construction machines
The rumbling, earth-shaking, rolling compactors
Preparing for the new but impermanent
These too will tumble in time
The persistent backing beeps without rhythm
The train says enough! and covers the noise with noise
Now I’m aware we have moved while still
The sun rests on her forehead
We roll a few inches to the shade
The pathfinder shows us the clearing ahead
The destination is near
Rally here, rally here
A sudden swarm of activity
Prayers prayed, songs played and promises made
Last calls coming one way
Inhale to signal life has begun
Exhale to say goodbye
Tears wash the long road to healing
Hugs say we will travel together
The soulscaper knows we stiff-arm the end
Lower the shield of unfinished business he says
Don’t anticipate the pain
Draw death closer and its power fades
Mom went to hospice care on Tuesday, October 11th and checked out for Heaven on Friday, October 14th at about 12:45 p.m.. The staff at Lighthouse Hospice in Round Rock, Texas was fantastic during the few days mom spent there. We especially want to thank Chaplain Dub (the soulscaper) who provided great comfort and spiritual guidance. Special thanks to nurse Julie (our pathfinder) who was our guide on the last day and helped mom as she took her last breaths. I have a deep respect and admiration for hospice care and the caregivers who provide a compassionate birthing into eternal life. My wish is that your loved ones can make their transition in as dignified and comfortable way as our mother did.
Family left at Lighthouse Hospice Courtyard
Related articles
- Understanding Hospice Care (larkkirkwood.wordpress.com)
- Why do doctors delay hospice referrals? (kevinmd.com)
- Support Your Local Hospice (simplerestyle.com)
- Walk A Mile In A House Hospice Nurse’s Shoes (chicagonursinghomelawyerblawg.com)
Gone From Our Sight 