as a nurse......I like to make sure my staff is looking at each patient and family member as "a real person" and not just another number to take care of.  So, I write poetry to speak to them about this.......

 

To Trust a Caregiver...
                  through the eyes of the family...

He sits and waits for her to come...
   love sparkles in his eyes...
the mere mention of her name...
   brings such a sweet "Oh my...
You just don't know how much I love
   that woman...she's just grand...
There isn't another like her...
   she loves me like I am."
Tears flow gently...fearing unknowns...
   seems something isn't right...
for if they were...there is no doubt...
   he would be at home tonight.
She comes to him so gently...
   eyes searching for a clue...
longing for a joyful day...
   some happiness to get through...
the days and nights that she must spend...
   alone with her own thoughts...
mingling with tears...as she accepts...
   the things that they once sought...
no longer are...and will never be...
   they live their lives apart...
and everytime she leaves him here...
   she smiles...but, it breaks her heart.
She speaks of hopeful things to him...
   an attempt to ease his fears...
He speaks of going home someday...
   She has to fight the tears.
All the years...all the times...
   come to this moment right now...
important times remembered...
   the rest, forgotten somehow.
They sit together...hovering close...
   until it's time for their goodbye...
It's time for her to leave alone...
   and for him to wonder "Why?"...
He remains here...cared for and safe...
   in this place like a second home...
She walks away...leaving behind...
   this gentle man she's known...
for most of her life...in many ways...
   she gives to him...her best...
at night he knows she's in his heart...
   and with that thought...he rests.
It's hard to be the one who stays...
   health failing...bit by bit...
and it's hard to be the one who leaves...
   hoping they don't think you've quit.
She learns to trust the caregivers...
   she prays they give their best...
it's knowing he's left in hands she trusts...
   that her mind and eyes can rest.
Trusting caregivers...Trusting God...
   in what will be and what has been...
she can only hope they meet his needs...
   until she returns again.
Only God knows...the when and the why...
   and the emotions that stir us so...
As we work together...a day at a time...
   towards a future we do not know.
And so each day...turns to another...
   long, restless nights between...
Sharing the joys...sharing the pain...
   sharing this journey...and all it means.
Caregivers and family...
   once strangers...now find...
they've grown close...hearts have bonded...
   as they journey through this time.
Caregivers...hear the family...
   the words they do not say...
listen close...hear their hearts...
   make theirs...a better day!

                             Cindy Carey