End of Life

June 30, 2020

I have noticed that when the hospice nurse calls me with a report these days, she chats with me for a while and manages to inject "end of life" into the conversation somewhere. "When patients near the end of life..." "As the end of life approaches..." "This can be expected at end of life..." You'd almost think she was trying to tell me something.

A month ago, we were sure he was about to cross over to the other side. But he surprised us all and is still here with us, instead of there with Him. It would appear that it isn't yet his time, though each day brings us inexorably closer to the temporary separation that will feel so permanent, but isn't.

I think the nurse is trying to prepare me for that day, to caution me that it is probably coming sooner rather than later, to make sure I understand that it's an upcoming reality. Whether I like it or not, and whether I'm ready or not, in case I've been ignoring the signs or am in denial. I'm not and haven't been in denial (as you well know). Not lately, anyway.

At least, I don't think so. We shall see, when the time comes.