Just plain sucks

When I worked the night shift, I ended every night with the same woman.

She was a very capable, talented, bright lady who had lost mobility and now had to be put to bed via a sling as she was far too heavy to assist any other way. The kind of care she required was pretty damned personal, and we got to be rather friendly.

I was very sorry that changing districts meant no longer seeing her. She lives in my city but between the job, and my family duties with my parent, there is no time for visits.

I had heard her husband died. This was sad but not unexpected news as he had been failing. Up until he was 90 he rode his horse every day. And jogged with his boxer at his side.
He lived a full happy life but still I was sorry to hear he had gone. I made a point of stopping in to see her on my way home to express my condolences and to tell her that I do think of her but time , it is all about time, and I do not get much.

She had a look I could not read on her face.

"Is your son living here still?"
"Yes. But only until his brother passes."
"WHAT????"
She had been able to stay in her own home as her one adult son moved in with her. He had been in a motorcycle accident 2 years ago and just never fully recovered. He had continual pain and a battle with the Insurance Company over his injuries. He got what his mom thought was the flu a month or two back. When he could not stop spitting blood she called 9-1-1 Cancer of the esophagus. A secondary from a lesion on his spine. He is on the Palliative Care Ward of the Hospital not expected to live another week. His brother from the USA is here to help. Then, Mom will have to sell her house and go into a facility. What sad news! There just is nothing to say in these cases. A hug and a prayer is about all you can do. God bless you and your sons Mrs. S. I wish him a quick and merciful death and you a happy and involved life in the Lodge. And I will come visit lots. (She's moving to the new facility which is on my street.) There really is nothing helpful to say nor do, not really.


It just plain sucks. --------