THE SKY IS FALLING

The proverbial branch has hit the wood chipper. The day started out calmly enough, coffee with a couple of friends and some expressed disappointment about the departure of our maintenance man. Then Doris told me her budget for coffee supplies has been terminated. She is nearly out of coffee, has no plastic ware and oddly only a small stack of napkins (serviettes in Canada) are left. We had already been cut off from disposable cups. We are now required to bring our own cup to coffee. That’s not bad for most of us. I have always brought my own cup (I’m such a good boy) because I like those flavored creams (vanilla, caramel and Hazelnut) so I put them in my travel cup and head for coffee.

My two passengers arrived and we left to see Janet. The hospice care was a new area to me and I could see the building but could not figure out how to get to the parking lot. I finally made it even though my passengers kept shouting different directions. Being a stubborn guy, I didn’t listen to either one. We met Janet’s son and a friend of hers at the room. Janet was sleeping so I spent some time getting updated with her son. What a delightful man. I was thrilled for Janet that she had a family willing to support her decision to let go. We went in and her son told Janet her friends were here and she stirred. She could hear and nodded her head, but did not talk. The end appears to be near. We spent time reminiscing with her and telling her what we liked and loved about her. I prayed at the end that our loving God would restore her to complete health quickly – by physical healing or taking her home. She has had a wonderful life.

Back at the ranch I could hardly get out of the car before I was caught and bombarded with questions. I’m not sure how word got around I that I was the one to talk to about Janet and our leader, but it continued most of the afternoon. Were our leaders fired? No. Why are they leaving? I gave a brief tactful explanation. More digging on their part, more stalling and redirecting on my part. This moved on from person to the next. Most took Janet’s decision well and considered her brave. I was not prepared for the two explosions that came. The first was to be expected — mostly tears and sorrow for the loss of Janet. However, one person was so livid and angry she could not and did not remain in control. She called her names and cursed her for giving up. I was unsuccessful in calming her down. I finally walked away.

When I finally got back to my room, the maintenance man came for a visit. He wanted to tell me what was going on before it spread like wildfire. He had put his wife, son, the two girls and his mother who was visiting them on a plane and they were now in Florida. She will not be here for the farewell. One resident felt “compelled” to tell her how happy she was that they were leaving and what an awful job she did. Another did the same to her husband and could not believe he lasted this long. He is strong and worked with people and will survive, but his wife was near emotional collapse. It wasn’t just the resident’s who attacked, but the “Ivory Tower” went after her as well.

I love how people handle departures. Idiotically. Most do well and either keep their mouth shut or express their appreciation or love. But there seem to always be one or two people who blast the shotgun. Leaders need tough skin.

A resident who wanted to take up a collection to buy a gift for them approached me with the idea. I supported her but suggested we make it cash. When driving across country, money is handy. A close friend is angry that she was not consulted about the collection plan and is acting like a total snit. I love her to death, but she can slide off her rocker at a moments notice. Have mouth will react. Thinking comes after talking.

The day has ended with Gail’s son-in-law being seriously hurt during a baseball game and being air lifted to a larger city hospital. He daughter is a nervous wreck so Gail is a nervous wreck. I was with her over an hour. It has been a tiring day. We all have them and I am going to bed. Sleep will come easy — I hope.