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.
-
Author:
Goldfinch60 (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: December 5th, 2019 02:49
- Comment from author about the poem: I am sorry to post such a sad poem but this is what occurred yesterday when I visited my wife who is in hospital, she has become very ill.
- Category: Sad
- Views: 21
Offline)
Comments6
A sensitive write Gold. I saw a medical programme. An unwell person asked for no 'heroics'. A nurse said 'Ah, I think I know what you mean, if you.....'
I don't know where my faith would be, if I was in your situation. People still pray on - prayer AND medicine?
Thank you Orchi.
It's bad enough, and sad enough, with a pet, if we have to say 'goodbye' to them at a vets - let alone a person.
My eyes watered reading this. A sensitive Doctor and a brave decision - I have such respect for you both.
Michael, thank you for your kind words.
You are a very strong, positive and outwardly brave man Goldfinch. Life deals us some awful blows and we have to take them on the chin.
Whereas I feel a great deal of sympathy for you at this sad time I also admire you for the way in which you are addressing your situation.
Our paths have led us through great adventure in bringing us to here. The path yet leads on ahead and must be travelled.
Thank you d a, you are so right our paths have led us to where we are and that path ahead will always beckon to new horizons that WILL be seen.
Intelligenti pauca
(A few words suffice for those who understand)
Ex animo, Alan
Much appreciated Alan.
(I did Latin at Rochester (Kent) Mathematical School back in the early 1960s and I think I am still in the school legends as getting the lowest ever score in the examination - the school motto was "Sub Umbra Alarum Tuarum")
Andy
'Beneath the shadow of your (thy) wings'
Ex animo, Alan
Andy,
I’m so sorry to hear that Joyce has become very ill. Reading your words has brought tears to eyes. This truly saddens me!
Your decision, together with the Doctor’s, is a wise one. Making her as comfortable as possible is the best way! I will be thinking of her with the hope that she’s not suffering too much!
My love to Joyce and to you!
~Laura~
Laura,
Thank you so very much, she appeared to be slightly better when I saw her yesterday but after a while she started getting worse, there may be hope, but there is no hope with her dementia as that has taken her away from me.
Andy
It is so difficult to see a loved one in such a state!
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