We sat by the table,
The Doctor and I.
He said he must speak to me.
So in a gentle, respectful manner he spoke,
Spoke of my wife.
Her illness was getting worse
So the question had to be asked.
“Would you want us to resuscitate her,
Resuscitate her if she passes?”
And awful question,
But one I had already dealt with.
My answer was no,
As the wife that I loved had gone,
Had gone three years ago,
When dementia took her from me.
Her life was now full of pain,
As well as full of turmoil.
He then asked
“If she became so bad
Should we use invasive procedures,
Or should we just make her comfortable?”
Again I had already dealt with this,
And said to make her comfortable,
As I did not want her to suffer more.
The conversation went on,
Went on in a gentle manner,
Until all was resolved.
I was left with a feeling of calmness,
Brough on by a man, a Doctor,
A Doctor who understood my mind,
And who I now look on with thankfulness,
Thankfulness and respect.