Today, James met his new hospice patient. When we entered her room, Amelia was seated in a chair and talking with one of the social workers on the floor. Her eyes set on James and she grinned. Oh my, she said. You’ve brought a dog to visit me. I introduced myself and told her about James. She had never met an English Setter before, she told me, but, went on to say that she had had lots and lots of dogs in her lifetime. I’ve had big ones and small ones. All different kinds. I love dogs, she exclaimed. The social worker asked Amelia if she could tell me her age. Amelia replied, I think you should tell her. Amelia, it turns out, is 109 years old!
What an alert 109 year old. This woman is amazing. Just think… how much this 109 year old has lived through. Amelia’s hearing is sharp and she can converse without any effort at all. All the while we spoke, James sat at her side and Amelia pet his head. You are such a handsome boy. So soft. Oh, I love dogs. Thank you for coming…
I always keep our initial visit brief, 10-15 minutes. After all, we are complete strangers at this point in time. I told Amelia that James visits every week and that I’d bring him back to visit her, if she would like that. Very clearly, and without hesitation, she said, Oh yes. That would be great. I love dogs. Thank you…
I am happy to start another journey with a hospice patient. It’s been several months since our last hospice patient died. For our past hospice patients, James has provided a diversion from pain. He has been a comforting companion. Especially as time marches on and pain increases. For some, he has been their only visitor. In the final days, for some, he has been right along side them as they lay in bed. He is just there… quietly, patiently, lying there. Each patient has been very different. James knows instinctively what he needs to do for each one. And so, he will be there for Amelia…
Wow what a great story. I bet she has lived so long because of the great dogs in her life. Hopefuly I will be telling stories of Baci at 109