An amazing experience in the hospice today
I think I am going to do this hospice volunteering thing even after I get a job later. It is amazing how people who are close to dying can value any time you can give them and how what they say can break every stereotype you might have of a dying person.
Take Mr. Strauss as an example. (All names made up to protect privacy). I came back from vacation and the first email that hit me this morning stated that Mr. Strauss has declined and will be transitioning soon. “Declining” and “transitioning” are euphemisms used in hospice language to let you know that you are reaching your goal line.
Well, after my afternoon run, I hightailed to the hospice he was in and timidly knocked on the door. And then pushed it in. I could clearly see that Mr. Strauss was surrounded by a few relatives and had oxygen pipes running up his nose. Not sure whether to bother him and his near and dear ones in his last few hours, I tentatively asked if I could come in.
I had to explain to his relatives who I was. But Mr. Strauss, a cancer patient – who could barely talk thru the end of his disformed mouth – told his relatives “I know him. Let him in.”
You know, he did not look as bad as I thought. Clearly he was in “transition”. But he was in good spirits. As his family left, he asked me if I was leaving too.
“Not really”, I told him
“Good”, he said.
That is when I knew that the schedule of the rest of my evening was shot. (Srinivas, I hope you will understand and give me a get-out-of-jail card for this).
I hung around Mr. Strauss. And I talked to him for nearly two hours. There were a lot of things he said. I am going to highlight a few of them here because I think there are learning points here.
One thing he mentioned is how incredible glad he was how his five kids have turned out to be.
“Raj, tears come to my eyes, to think what they have done for me”.
“Well, certainly you have passed your genes to them”, said I, boosting his ego.
“No. I was the tough, disciplinarian dad. I wish I was not so tough on them. I think they get it from their mom”.
I find out over the next hour that he lost his wife early to Alzheimers. Never remarried.
“Let me tell you something, Raj”
“Yes, Mr. Strauss”
“Never be tough on your kids. They need support, not discipline”.
Not totally sure how to respond, especially since one of my kids is beyond the age where I have any influence, I put out a meek “Great thoughts, Mr. Strauss”.
A few moments of awkward silence later, I tried to move on – “Other than your kids, Mr. Strauss, what are you very proud of yourself?”
Seeing him think deeply, I prepared myself for some insightful wisdom. What I got was…
“I never went to jail”.
Guffawing my heart out, I told him “Let’s keep it that way”.
I was way, way – I mean way way – over my time.
Eventually, it was his dinner time.
As I shook his hand and took leave, I said “I will see you soon”
He did not let go of my hand.
“Raj”
“Yes, sir”
“Thank you for coming.”
“My pleasure, sir”
“Will you come tomorrow?”
“That was my plan, sir”
“Good”, said he as he released my hand.
I had lied through my nose.
That was never my plan.
Well, now it is.
I need him to stay alive till then.
There is a pride in kids only a father can sense from another father.
I will be there.
Moved Rajib, proud to know you. Will always want you in my corner.
A beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing.
You’re bringing tears to my eyes…keep it up! I think you’ll be forgiven for the lie…
I’m so touched be this
Beautiful.
You are a nice person as always. Proud of you.
Rajiv, what a line you wrote at the end! I can sense it even by reading it and getting emotional.
So touched !
You are such a great person Raj (smile), and you don’t realize how much I respect you for doing precisely this. What an incredible influence you are at the end of someone’s life. Your eighth paragraph has the ultimate definition of success by the way. If your children end up being individuals you are proud of (regardless of what they are doing), then everything else is bonus material.
Amazing writing Bachchuda. Keep doing all the good work that you are doing and keep enriching us!
God bless raj…time well spent.
Thanks for sharing Rajib. I was blessed to read your post today.
You’re a good man Rajib and doing good work. I have a new appreciation for caregivers who help people in transition. They are angels here on earth.
I am closing my fb for today to cherish this post of yours.. Beautiful
Very moving………
Thanks Rajib for sharing…
I am moved and touched! You are blessed with the ‘Power of Consoling’ Rajib.
wow!
Rajib, what can I say . Salute . Iam touched . Really do not know how you manage all this . Your memoirs has tears on my eyes . Hats off to you ! God bless you .
OMG! Thanks for sharing. Very touching.
Thank you so much for sharing this Rajib. You are an incredibly amazing human being. Those patients are extremely lucky to have you by their side. You inspire us all.
Rajib this validates my high opinion of you. I am proud to know you.
Rajb, what a thought provoking and touching write up. Hope you continue to bring comfort and cheer to those that are most in need of them.
Rajob, there is truly a special place in the next adventure for those who help others as they reach their transition. every best thought to you.
God bless
You are da man
Thank you for sharing Rajib. It is so incredibly kind & thoughtful of you to give yourself to another. You are very special. God Bless you and those you touch.
Rajib i really sometimes envy the way you write and the way you choose your words not to add your additional expertise as a barman