11 October 2008
Hospice and palliative care: a human right
Butterfly People
Author: Audrey Lee
Butterfly people who flit in and out,
Giving me hope and courage to go about,
I hear stories funny and sad,
Some are good, some are bad,
Making me feel I'm not the only one,
Some people stay a while, some are soon gone,
Butterfly people leave impressions each day,
I wouldn't have it any other way,
Butterfly people are everywhere,
You can see them here, you can see them there,
Everybody is a Butterfly at heart,
In this life we all play our part.
Life
Author: Audrey Lee
You come from the cradle, to the grave,
And as you grow older, you grab at memories to save,
You will look back, with a tear in your eye,
At all the wasted time, you let slip by,
All the things, you should have done,
Not realising every minute, was a precious one,
Different faces cloud your mind, every day,
And wonder, was there any other way?
To live your life, the way you have done,
Now realising, three-quarters of it's gone,
You close your eyes, for just a while,
And start to dream, with a smile ....
Geese
Author: Mary Winton
Trimar
The geese flew overhead today, to go far, far away
I wish I could go with them to soar the skies and see the world, no cares or worries, just freedom but
no not now, I’m marked you see I’m clinic bound forever.
The treatments over, the getting better starts,
I wish I was rid of the heaviness deep in my heart
“Why me?” I asked the nurse at clinic, she could not answer me
All gone are the strappy tops, to wear down by the sea.
The scar is high, this miserable mark, so cover it up and hide it
Pretend that it’s not happened, try to live with it, be natural
The prosthesis is quite heavy, awkward and uncomfortable
But you can get lightweight ones and stick on ones, so that’s alright then.
Will it come back, this Cancer in my breast?
I don’t know – no one does.
You would think I was all cried out, but the tears never seem to end
Sometimes all I want to do is rage and scream and shout
I can see no light at the end of this tunnel
Although there must be, I’ll just have to wait and see.
Goodbye
Author: Mary Winton
Trimar
No sweets for you, the doctor said, your sugar level’s high,
So now the time has come, for us to say goodbye
Goodbye my darling chocolate, the best friend I ever had,
Always there to comfort me whenever things were bad.
Goodbye boiled sweets and toffee too, alas this is the end,
But don’t forget you always were a very special friend.
Goodbye to all my biscuits it’s rich tea from here on in,
I’ll have to throw away your home, that special biccie tin.
Goodbye to cakes of various kinds, no more can you be eaten,
What shall I do? this is the end, I think I’m truly beaten.
More fruit and veg the doctor said, it’s good for you and healthy,
Oh bog off twat, I don’t want that, I’ll chuck myself off the belfry.
Now veg is green and so are grass and hedges, trees and bushes
You don’t eat them, no way, no how, so slow down from your rushes,
Apples, pears, cherries, grapes, bananas and whatever
A right old feast for some poor sod, but not me, not now, never.
Just give me back my good old friends and rewind all those years
I’m sure that me and chocolate can cope with all the fears
And biccies too and cakes galore and watch the weight pile on
I’d better not on second thoughts, those days have really gone.
No One
Author: Mary Winton
Trimar
No one said it was going to be easy
No one said it was going to be fair
No one said it was going to be breezy
But they did say I would lose my hair
No one said I would ever be pretty
No one said I would ever be smart
No one said I would ever be witty
But they do say I have a good heart
No one said that there wouldn’t be crying
No one said that there wouldn’t be fears
No one said that there wouldn’t be trying
But they did say I’d be around for years
No one said that the doctor is right
No one said that the doctor is wrong
No one said that the doctor is trite
But they do say you have to be strong
No one knows what tomorrow will show
No one knows what next week will unfold
No one knows what will happen in an hour from now
But they did say you now have control
Cake
Author: Mary Winton
Trimar
I’m gonna have that cake
Him sitting there on that plate
Yea, him with all his mates
Smiling, smirking, looking great
He’s sat there dressed to the nines
With sprinkles and decorations so fine
Keeps looking at me and winking
Little does he know what I’m thinking
He’s got his mates around him
All sat there on their plates
Some with sprinkles, some with cream I hope this is not a dream
He’s got a light sponge body
And looking mighty fine
Just a few moments longer
And that cake is gonna be mine
I’ll take him out to my car
Where we can be alone
Just him and me under the stars
I’ll even switch off me phone
I know he’ll make me poorly
I know he’ll make me ill
He’ll throw my sugar levels out the window
He will, I know he will
Don’t want your rotten cake now
Don’t care if it’s decorated fine
Not keen on hospital food am I
Fruit salad, oh lovely, that’s mine
Ah Bless
Author: Mary Winton
Trimar Hospice
She’s not been well
Ah bless
Proper poorly she’s been
Ah bless
Had Breast Cancer, she did
Ah bless
And chemotherapy too
Ah bless
It took six months to sort
Ah bless
She had some good support
Ah bless
Her family and friends did help
Ah bless
She’s all better now
Ah bless
Got a new job now as well
Ah bless
Has got the all clear
Ah bless
Time to move on
Ah bless
Where have you gone?
Author: Marilyn Prowse
St Luke's, Plymouth
Where have you gone to? You're not here any more.
Did you know you were leaving
As you walked out the door?
Did you bother with packing your toothbrush and comb?
Did you know you were leaving
And not coming home?
There's an empty space, an aching hollow.
Did you know you were leaving
And no-one to follow?
Did you know that we loved you? You knew that we might.
Did you know you were leaving
Did you put up a fight?
We'll get better in time. We'll heal, in a while.
Did you know you were leaving
And taking your smile?
We'll think of you often, with a tear and a sigh.
We didn't know you were leaving.
We didn't say goodbye.
Kiss
Author: Audrey Lee
St Barnabas' Hospice, Worthing,
At a really bad phase in time
Consent to be my lifeline
So come and kiss my tears away
And wake beside me to a brand new day
My Sis.
Author: Bethany Welch
st helena hospice
I remember when you'd collect me from school
Our trips to Makky D's were always cool
I remember going swimming with you
Down the green flume but not the blue.
I remember the way you'd play fluffy bunnies
So many marshmallow, that was always funny
I remember your laugh and the sparkle in your eyes
I remember at Christmas when we made mince pies.
I remember when you dressed me just like
Scary Spice with a hairbrush as a mike
I still have the picture of me on that day
With way too much make-up and hair getting in my way.
I remember the games that we would play
I remember that smile every day
I remember you looking out for me
Your little sis, that will always be.
I imagine now that we could chat
About boys or make-up, stuff like that
I can see us in your creative room
Crying and laughing like sisters do.
I miss a lot of things about you
I miss our times together too
I miss having you to hug and kiss
But most of all I miss my sis.
by Bethany Welch
Around the Bend
Author: Nancy Aumont
Sweet Charity Hospice Fund
Sometimes we walk along a path
Beneath a cloudy sky
There´s nothing to the right or left
To lift our spirits high
Then, at last, we turn a corner,
And there bursts into our view
A scene of light and beauty,
And the world seems fresh and new.
So always hold this little thought
That cares are bound to end
And there´s a brighter day ahead
Just waiting round the bend.
Lonely but not alone !
Author: Barbara van der Kleij
Sweet Charity Hospice Fund
I am Lonely
You are Lonely
Together we are Lonely
I am Nice
You are nice
Together we are
Nice and Lonely
I am pretty
you are pretty
together we are pretty lonely
Lets meet half way
so we are lonely
but not ALONE!
Dedicated to Kate Woodland my workshop mate !
War
Author: Audrey Lee
St Barnabas, Worthing, Sussex
Nations at war, at what cost?
Governments counting pound signs, not lives lost!!
Scientists probing to cause further unimaginable destruction,
Whilst goverments talk of nuclear reduction.
The minds of these people simply amaze me,
What kind of humans could they be?
They expect us to understand why,
They have the right to let people live or die.
My favourite place
Author: Chloe Shearman
St Helena Hospice, Colchester
Down at the enormous pond at the Hospice.
It is so beautiful with the lily pads and the fish.
I love the little moorhens.
And the steps leading to some little paths.
And there is some bamboo on the other side of the pond.
With a kitten that lives in one of the houses around.
And all the birds singing in the trees.
And I can just go there and be on my own and sing like the birds.
And the buzzing of the bumble bee.
I could just lie there on the grass and fall asleep with the kitten in my arms.
The Constant Enemy
Author: Dorethy Trewartha
Trimar
aged 60.
Left it too long so
a massive operation
and 2 years of suffering.
Mother was afraid of it
never spoke of it
except in whispers.
Cancer was like that,
almost shameful.
It missed her though!
I found a lump and knew.
How did I feel?
Impatient, angry!
Too much so to feel afraid.
How dare a lump disrupt my life.
I had my work, a job to do,
no time to be ill
Lumpectomy, radiotherapy.
Then back to work, forget it.
Dying never came into it.
Seven years on some left-over bit
went walkabout
and invaded my lung.
‘Incurable’ they said,
but ‘controllable.’
So it proved but
the warning flag was out.
Work still gripped
but life beckoned.
Life in Dorset,
long planned, now realised.
A rich retirement
of new experience
and freedoms once denied.
In ‘97
another lump demolished,
another medication
which worked.
Death came closer
but stood to one side.
An Innocent Kid
Author: Nkosnathi Ndlazi
Ingwavuma Orphan Care
Who has to die?
Why am I dying?
How many years should I have?
To qualify for death?
Whom should I blame?
I am 3 years old, but I am dying
When and how can I reach my destination?
I have never done anything wrong before God,
Before my parents, before community and
Even before myself but I am dying, why?
Before I was born, God was having certain
Goal and my parents were expecting a brighter
Future from me but all that has vanished.
Oh! I wish I was not born rather than
Having a few moments in life yet I guess
People are having nice times on earth but
I am very disheartened to say that I have not
Got that chance to show my character in
The community, who knows? maybe
I was to be a president for our nation
But all that has vanished.
If wishes were horses, beggars may ride,
I wish I stayed longer than I was supposed to
On earth, but I have failed to defeat devil in time
The Traveller
Author: Collette Waller
Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice
I'd like to say
I've been here and done this
Been there and done that
The fact is I ain't been nowhere
Recently
Envy
Author: Collette Waller
Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice
I like the way I am, but
Today I looked and saw two people running
That once was me, I thought
Today I saw someone walking their dog
I don't have a dog but I wanted to be walking one
Today I saw an old friend wheeling a buggy
I wished it were me
Last time I saw my girlfriends it was nothing but
The price of Pampers Pureed baby food
Change the subject, I thought
I've never been jealous in my life
But sadly, I am now
I have become impatient
I have become dependent
Feelings
Author: Collette Waller
Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice
The other day, well
Three in the morning it was
I said to my Dad
Who was awake
I feel so depressed
He paused, then said
Don't use that word
You're not
I said, alright then I'm frustrated
I Miss
Author: Kay Bates
Sue Ryder Care, Leckhampton Court, Cheltenham
I miss……
our gentle, soft, silken and silver-furred Jibby,
that character Bootsie for comfort and comp’ny,
walks on high mountains, through woods and on beaches,
that warm “fuzzy buzz” that you gets when you teaches!
It’s fun……
meeting for coffee and shopping with friends,
having a lie-in, some days without end!
e-mailing “funnies” and surfing for hours
searching for bargains – not more books or flowers??
I have……
life support from a team I can’t cope without,
plans for the future to get out ‘n’ about.
pride in achievements both past and to come,
hopes for more days with bright blue sky and sun.
I will……
love my partner, my soul-mate, right to the end,
be proud of his strength which seems never to bend.
enjoy his humour, his wit and his cooking,
and wish him the best when for new love he’s looking.
I need……
people around me who treat me as normal,
who laugh, who joke and try not to be formal;
someone to talk to with no strings attached
to help sort out my feelings without any catch.
I’m scared……
not of death itself, but the process of dying;
of too much pain and sorrow, lots and lots of crying;
of being all alone when the time comes to die –
but I’ve never been good at saying goodbye.
I want……
someone please to tell me it’s all a bad dream,
and things aren’t really getting as bad as they seem;
to know what none can tell me: the where and how - not when
I’ll take that final breath and never live again.
I feel……
desperate to do what I can while I can,
and spend as much time as there is with my man;
so sad to leave him with so much not done
but eternally grateful he’s been my sun.
The End
Author: Kay Bates
Sue Ryder Care, Leckhampton Court, Cheltenham
Our cat had a tumour,
No rumour.
Just like mine!
With love we helped him go.
Miss him so -
each little sign!
I want that peaceful end,
please my friend,
when it's my time.
Be glad my suff'ring's ended,
Not ex-ten-ded
like this rhyme!
Grey shades to Gold
Author: Kay Bates
Sue Ryder Care, Leckhampton Court, Cheltenham
I found myself in a harsh, helpless, hopeless world;
turned in on myself like a leaf tightly curled;
emotions in turmoil,
plans for the future suddenly foiled.
In a barren, bleak landscape,
all greys without shape,
I sought only escape,
feeling body and mind no longer whole
and so unprepared for this unwelcome role.
Despondent and despairing,
depressed and depressing,
I feared coming months as painful and fleeting.
Lonely and scared, to Sue Ryder I came,
knowing no more than the name.
A new era was born
with all the joy of a bright new dawn;
people to talk to who help and support
and a new inner happiness I could never have bought.
I turned to the golden sunlight of positive life.
Abandoning fears which cut like a knife
I entered a garden bright with a fusion
of colour and clarity,
without weeds of confusion:
flowering friendships,
giving and growing
with budding well-being
and new talents flourishing,
soft blossoms of comfort soothe my soul fraught.
Holistic care is accepted with pleasure,
provided by those who give without measure.
Sharing caring company,
the strength of community
and the power of continuity,
with empathy, therapy, friendship and fun
my day at Sue Ryder is all too soon done.
But how do I feel?
Looking forward to next week with vigour and zeal!
Simpson's Gap, Northern Australia
Author: Pat
Sue Ryder Care, Leckhampton Court, Cheltenham
Today a butterfly drank from my hand.
A coach stop at Simpson’s Gap
In the dry-tongued brittle heat of the Red Heart.
“Go and see the rock wallabies” said our guide,
“but keep together, go quietly and don’t forget to drink.”
Whooping and shouting they piled out…….
“Quick, quick, let’s see how far we can go.”
“Run, run. I can go further than you.”
Left behind, I turned from the track and sat on a log
And as the torn silence settled down again
I heard the tick-tock sound of the bush.
Then, remembering, drank from my water bottle,
A few drops falling sparkling on my hand.
At once, down came a bright beauty.
Landed on my hand – I felt the flicker of its feet.
It drank, quivering, until the drops were gone.
Then it fluttered the fan of its wings
And then was away, that bright beauty.
I felt the air softly stir on my finger
As the bush settled around me again.
I did not see the rock wallabies
But a butterfly drank from my hand today.
The Cuckoo
Author: Pat
Sue Ryder Care, Leckhampton Court, Cheltenham
I built my nest with pride and care,
that love might find a dwelling there.
Then came that cuckoo, cancer,
and in it laid her egg
which I, unwitting,
nourished until it hatched
and killed my fledgling hopes and plans.
Winter
Author: Pat
Sye Ryder Care, Leckhampton Court, Cheltenham
“We’re in the dark of the year.” said the Mother.
“The men are on short time.” she said.
Drifting in the smoke about her
She saw the grey grimness of the months ahead.
The cold, the dark, the pain of chilblains.
The shortage of food.The struggle to live
Until the earth turned
And the dark of the year had gone.
Uncomprehending crouched the children
Eyes flickering with the flames of the fire.
“We’re in the dark of the year.” said the children.
“Christmas will soon be here.” they said.
Like the sparks of the fire before them,
They saw the treats of the months ahead.
The snow and the sliding, cards at Christmas.
Roasting chestnuts and hot jacket potatoes.
And father home early for tea.
And so they would live
And so the earth turned
And the dark of the year was gone.
The Bridge
Author: Kay Bates
Sue Ryder Care, Leckhampton Hospice, Cheltenham
The bridge lay,
still, silent, sleeping,
spanning the swift mountain stream
which tumbled and stumbled down the steep-sided gorge.
Through the deluge of soft summer rain it rested,
quiet,
quiescent,
oblivious to torrents above and below.
The sun pierced the gloom and ‘midst the dappled light
soft steam rose from the gap-toothed planks.
So - the challenge - to continue onward when the only foundation was aged frayed rope.
I made him go first, who’s my fountain of strength,
but he woke it from slumber, striding across.
It bounced,
it wriggled,
it danced with his movement
and took an age to settle again!
Slow footstep by footstep
I edged onto its flimsiness
stepping so carefully into the unknown.
It shook,
it swayed.
I shivered.
But still all held fast and in my own time
I reached that far bank.
I needed a rest, he needed a drink
so we sat together in the peace of achievement
discussing our next “expedition”.
Into our capsule of contentment intruded the sound of a distant buzz.
It grew louder,
came closer,
following confidently our hesitant steps down the gorge.
Suddenly he was there!
Already halfway across that precarious structure - the postman on his moped!
No hesitation, no waiting, no problem:
he had mail to deliver and this was just part of his daily routine.
We two laughed.
I realised my fears were for nothing.
He waved in greeting as he passed by.
So – whatever your goal -with strength and belief,
in fear and trepidation,
or with confidence and familiarity
it can be achieved!
Remember Rosemary
Author: Karen Crawford
Sweet Charity Hospice Fund Spain
Remember now that far off day
Our lives entwined in every way.
Souls bared , secrets shared
Epistles penned to show we cared.
Many words between us flew.
And then one day with no goodbye.
Released from stress and toil and pain
Your spirit soared.But memories remain
"Are You Sure?"
Author: Arthur Carr
St Luke's Hospice, Basildon
Pale with shock, my darkest hour, upon me is creeping
Deep inside of me there is a feeling
Of pain, of nagging, a volcanic effect.
The feeling is creeping to the nape of my neck.
My head! My head! The blood rushes so, I can only see red,
The time has come, the time that I so dread.
To postpone this time of utter disbelief, I sought
To hide, to sleep. Be anywhere but HERE, I thought.
The grip of fear, rooted was I, frozen with pain and shock,
Quivering, uncontollable shaking, unable to take stock.
This cannot be happening, it's a dream, when will it STOP?
Broken was my spirit, composure lost. Dead was I, a total flop.
My voice, at last, became free from fright,
I smashed my fist hard on the table. It felt just right.
My courage restored I faced them, angry as a bear,
Venom in my words, "Are you sure it's my turn to buy the beer....?"
but remember this
Author: Joanne Davies
Trimar
I was created perfectly
But fate turned to me
And said, “I have deceived you,
Your time is up, now see:
Childish dreams, fragile and weak at the seams.
Grown up plans, crazy trips to far off lands
Where I’d love to be good, but rather be bad.
What’s inside my head, is driving me mad,
Hiding swollen eyes and a wounded pride.
The best years of my life denied;
For all my wild ideas
Taunt me now. Filled with tears
The flesh is weak, the mind saddened and slow.
Life goes on and round we go.
Words can’t kill these things, I know,
But man can’t live on hope alone -
It can be cut, all that is grown.
I’ll cross the sea for a brighter world
Yet led by Angels, with life’s treasures to behold:
A daughter, a sister, a mother, a wife,
Time has slowly been twisting the knife.
There’s a sadness in my eyes -
No-one guessed,
no-one tried.
Some people think I’ll be far away,
Some know, I’m with them everyday.
But remember this…
I am blessed; I have loved and been loved.
Some friends have come and gone;
Ones who have lied, who said they cared
Left me hurt, left me scorned and scared
But the good ones have stayed, and played, and
Have been inspirational to this frightened little girl.
Bless the day you came into my life.
I’m looking out for Angels,
Just trying to find some peace.
Is this the right place to stay?
Please, my wings, fly me away.
I know Heaven sent and Heaven stole. But Angels
Lead me to some peaceful land that I cannot find inside my head;
The present like I’ve never seen it…
Is this the right place to rest, and stay?
Please let my wings fly me away.
Always Heaven is a place nearby.
Heaven knows I’m ready to be found,
So there’s no need to say ‘goodbye’.
Unwanted Guests
Author: Beverly Ashill
Trinity Hospice
An unwanted purple guest came to my house one night -
She has been there ever since.
How she got in I do not know,
For I was sure my doors were locked.
But there she was, inside me
Vibrant and bold and purple,
Unafraid she made me scared.
I have tried to poison her many times.
Sometimes the poison makes her sleep for a time,
But then she wakes,
Angry and vengeful,
She rapes me repeatedly
Behind closed bedroom doors.
Having no voice of her own
She steals mine, rendering me silent.
Not content with her own company,
She brought a friend -
A chunky blue snake who wrapped herself around me crushing my breath
The snake had babies: I was her womb.
They are my family now:
Should they leave one night,
Slamming the door behind them,
Would I be lost?
King of The Mermen
Author: Julia Fitzgerald
The clay is drawn into my fingertips.
Organic like the earth.
I'm six again, free to lose myself with no inhibition.
Feelings shaped through the clay.
My inner creation thus born, serene
Fishscaled, King of the Mermen.
Meditative and tranquil,
Inside and outside.
Boats
Author: Rosalyn Newman
Lions Hospice
I like fish
I like boats
To go in the middle of the ocean
My boat is green,
I am a yellow figure.
My big friendly fish swims under me, green eyes, only fish with green eyes
I would like to live there on my boat.
Problem is, my husband don't come with me.
He doesn't like boats.
Poseidon
Author: Mavis Browne
Lions Hospice
Grey clay found under the river;
Repeated marks shaping the head;
As the river flows over the soil
The pale river reflects the colour from the sun.
Poseidon emerges from the soft earth:
Smiling kindly on the children below.
My dolphin
Author: Alison Fitzgerald
St Thomas' Hospital
My dolphin swimming in the sea,
With her rubbery warm body she makes her way to me.
I was standing all alone with the sun on my back,
With the world's weight on my shoulders;
There was no going back.
This gentle creature's softness reached out to me.
Her smiling face was comforting,
"Throw your problems in the sea," "Be free", she said,
"Go out and enjoy giving.
Have fun, make friends, have laughs.
Life is for living."
Winter's Lesson
Author: Helen Sanford
North Shore Hospice
Ray of sunshine in a dark sky
Author: Stacy Shelton
Indirectly linked to St Francis Hospice - SA
Three year old Thandi
Who had barely begun to live
Looked up into her mother's eyes, for what was the last time.
What were once bright brown eyes were completely lifeless
Now nothing more than a dull grey.
The only thing left a faint smile
As if recalling the few joyous memories of her short past.
Thandi, you see, had AIDS
As she breathed her final breath,
Faith felt the warmth against her cheek
Then the tiny lifeless body on Faith's lap
So thin and so sickly, shut her eyes and all was still.
Faith felt that icy hand of sadness and pain
Grip her heart
She had lost her baby girl
The bringer of joy and hope
The bearer of all her secrets
Her one ray of sunshine in her dark sky
She wept like she would never stop
She felt her heart would break
It was almost like someone had stabbed a sharp knife
in her heart.
Slowly the large hole in her heart
Started to close just a fraction
Because she new her angel had gone to be with a choir of angels
All the other AIDS babies -
A place where Thandi felt no pain
Where she could get all the puppies and kittens
She had always wanted but could never afford.
These thoughts comforted her
And as she left the hospital
She looked into the sky
And saw a ray of sunshine pierce through the clouds
It was then she knew, her precious baby would never leave her.
She is the ray of sunshine, in a dark sky.
The Olive Tree
Author: Jim McCleod
Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice
Six weeks ago I should have died
And didn't
My feet swelled up
This arm was thicker than that leg
I should've died but didn't
This week I walked across the room without a frame
I felt revitalised
Last night I lay awake, moving my fingers
And it felt good
In Greece, when the olive tree won't fruit
They wrap it in mattresses and sacking
Then bash it, knock it about generally
They stimulate a storm
The tree is revitalised
Invigorated
And fruits again
My First Day in Day Care
Author: Lesley Ankers
St Lukes Hospice, Cheshire
What is that loud noise ringing so near?
It's my bedside alarm sounding in my ear.
My body aches, I've a pain in my head
can't I stay here warm and snug in bed?
Not today – I cannot stay there,
it's my first day in Day Care
I'm filled with dread and fear.
Just after nine my transport does appear.
The driver and I enjoy a friendly chat on our ride,
through the lovely Cheshire Countryside.
I'm met by a kindly welcome,
making me feel most at home.
A comfy chair, a refreshing cup of tea,
this is a really friendly place to be.
My nurse, she comes and chats with me.
Then a bath - I'm refreshed and clean,
I really am being treated like the queen.
The doctor- she discusses my ills,
and helps me sort out all my pills.
At twelve it's off to lunch with lovely food,
then to further enhance my relaxed mood,
reflexology or reiki are offered to me.
It's watercolour class after another cup of tea.
I have not painted since the age of seven,
but I can tell this is a hobby made in heaven.
Under teachers Pat skilful eye,
I draw a landscape and paint the sky.
Next week I will paint the hills green,
such a lovely country scene.
I've had such an enjoyable day,
all my dread and fears have gone away.
I thank you all, fellow patients, staff and volunteers
for all your love – you are such dears.
There is no limit to your kindness and care,
my pain diminished while I was with you there.
I know you cannot completely take my hurt away,
but you make it easier to live from day to day.
You are such a help in these dark days
with your kind and gentle ways.
Thank you so much for this ray of light,
it really does shine so very bright.
help
Author: claire brown
Springhill hospice
Ankles barely moving but hearts revolving
why oh why this empty frame,
Once alive and vibrant full of life and unique longing,
Now lifeless, dead, wanting yet yearning and voiceless,
When will my identity return?
LIFE ON THE EDGE
Author: Vera Marie Mecl
I have lived on the edge
I have lived on the edge
I have lived on the edge
Of LIFE
and death ...
I have known fetid fear
and lost my senses
and known despair
I have heard angels sing
I have felt their caress
and the comfort they bring
when I allow
silence to enter my being
The heart
the centre of my vulnerability
and pain
I fear to lose my heart
to illness again
and regret the loss of wasted forces
I have learned to be grateful
for each and every day
I see the colours of life
RADIANTLY
I bask in bird song
and the joy of creation's colour
and the embracing gift of FRIENDSHIP
I rue for those who cannot love
I rue for those who cannot forgive
I rue for those who cannot forget
the baggage of the past
and the things that cannot last
I have learned that I am not the centre of LIFE
not the entire UNIVERSE
In my smallness I am made great
by the wholeness of the LIFE FORCE
I forget my fear
when I recognize that YOU are near!
Life is Important
Author: Mona Duncan
Highland Hospice
Lots of things matter to me
Being amongst people that have the same as you
We can understand each other
I'm the type that likes to have lots of friends
They can take your mind off things
It helps to stop thinking about yourself
All the time
I'm still learning really, you never stop
Family are there for me.
I'm still here so it's not my time yet
I still want to enjoy it with everybody
I learnt things I never thought I would -
Painting, drawing, pottery . . .
I have watched others and seen how they cope
I've learned from them.
My Darkest Night
Author: Helen Sanford
North Shore Hospice
Memories of a 90 Year Old
Author: George Bull
St Lukes, Basildon
When we were young the world was full of promise
Prosperity was just around the door
A golden age was on a near horizon
And peace would not be broken anymore
Our early years were spent in just surviving
Our parents found that jobs were hard to seek
We children didn't realise these problems
Though we had to make a penny last a week
Then came our eager, youthful days emerging
A time for joy, a time for sweet romance
Those happy days of cinemas and music
The hours we spent in learning how to dance
But soon there was another war returning
How many fruitless years, no one could tell
So many precious lives would soon be wasted
So many of our precious days as well
Yet once again our forces were triumphant
As survivors of the rigours of the war
We found there was a brave new world awaiting
But the world we knew was lost for evermore
So now we had an age of man's invention
Wonders that are common place so soon
TV, computers, transplants, double glazing
They even sent a spaceship to the moon
Now we have found a shining new millennium
Will the young avoid the errors of our time
What was the past will soon be forgotton
Will they enjoy a life that is sublime?
What does the future hold for those that follow?
Will science save them all or seal their fate?
Will they discover life is made for living?
We won't be here-we've learned it all-too late
Then you Know
Author: Beatrix Hooman
Hospice in the West
Terminal... Hysterical...
For an indefinate time your brain stops thinking! Words slowly get into a numb mind, .... drowning... sinking. Into the depths of the unseeing soul. It feels like your body is turned into an iron bowl. And that everybody could see this pain, ... this ugliness, ... the blackness.
Life... really stopped for a while. And after million of tears. You notice, life is still busy going on.
Suddenly you remember, small, unnoticed things that were forgotten. When you wake up... when you see the sun... when you hear voices... when you see flowers and mountains... when you hear the birds... when you feel the wind against your skin... You remember that you are still alive.. Then you Know!
Even if you walk slowly... even if your body is aching with pain... even if your mirror image looks like somebody else.. even if needles and medicine take over your life... even if cake doesn't taste like cake... You remember that you are still alive. Then you Know!
Life goes on - like the sun that shines... like the laughter of a child... like a lovely song on the radio... like the moon and stars at night... like tears rolling over your cheeck... You remember that you are still alive. Then you Know!
You must still live today - for your children... for family and friends... for the beauty of life... for the hope of people... for the breath still in you... You remember that God is still in charge. Then you Know!
Sorry
Author: Julie Howick
Hospice in The Weald
“SORRY”
What can we do with them –
those damaged, broken bodies –
sad sorrowful souls
lamenting lives not fully lived?
Would a word have been enough
to stem the fury of a storm
of wrath and bitterness?
Just a word
to hush the growing momentum –
the persistent cries of unrelenting pain?
One small word
we refused to pass our lips –
was not whispered on our breath –
remains buried deep below a vow of care –
hidden beneath legality and fear.
With the wisdom of the years
who are the victims?
Who sheds the tears?
Is there enough power
in a word
to restore a bond of mutual trust?
Even now could honest regret
pour balm on the wounds of grief?
Of has time squandered chance?
Opportunity been lost too far?
Who can atone or reconcile?
Speak the word.
Even now it may be the means
to link our hearts and minds –
to retrieve justice, mercy and love.
Fun!
Author: Cara Smith
Richard House Hospice
A fun thing is the ball pool,
Fun!
A fun thing is fun games with Josh,
Fun! Fun!
A fun thing is Charlie and Lola on TV
Fun!Fun!Fun!
Woof!
Author: Josh Smith
richard house hospice
My puppy is brown
And small
And very friendly
Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!
Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!
He's soft
And cuddly
And has many playful puppy friends.
Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!
Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!
I've had him since I was two
He makes me feel happy.
And he's very, very clever -
He can count up to eight.
Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!
Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!
Volunteer's view of Hospice Work
Author: John Byamukama
Hospice
THE FAMILY OF VISIBLE ANGELS
Hospice team, the visible angels here on earth, that are mend broken hearts of those that have been distressed by life threatening circumstances.
To those who had lost hope; Hospice has brought light at the end of the tunnel, and their lives hold meaning now.
HIV and Cancer, the most deadly diseases, which have claimed innumerable numbers of people world wide with excruciating pains of all kinds, have now been contained by this team of angels on earth.
With the miraculous drugs like morphine, pain is relieved. This proves that this team of angels have been commissioned by God, who is the author of the gift of life.
The slogan of "Hospice is a friend" indicates the acts of mercy and friendship fulfilling the greatest commandment of "love they neighbour as thy self".
The comfort fund, given to those who are completely poor, brings out the picture of a Good Samaritan to those who might have heard about that good story in the Bible. This gives good hearted ones, a motivation to donate more to this team of visible angels, so as to enable them to administer to the poor, lonely, rejected and hopeless.
Let those who love life to be lived more abundantly, pray for the expansion of this organization, and the springs of its resources be blessed. Let the resources flow freely to Hospice treasury for the execution of this Samaritan's work to Glorify God.
Regardless of religion, age, tribe, race, colour and nationality, this angelic team does not discriminate, they serve the people. It is the true spirit that should be a model to be emulated by all who are in the caring professions. It is in giving that we receive! In caring for these people there is so much the team learns from them. Many people have a belief that spending so much time with people who have life threatening illnesses, may make you become miserable and depressed. This visible Angelic team is so lively, happy and hospitable, so some patients say that the mere fact of coming to hospice relieves their pain and improves their well-being, even before they are given any drug.
You give what you have!
WHO AM I?
Author: Julie Howick
Hospice in The Weald
WHO AM I?
Am I the one who reaching out
to touch in faith –
is freed?
Or do I stretch my withered arm
to be healed of
my disease?
Am I the bent and broken one
looking only to the ground?
Seeking gentle healing hands
to make me straight and strong?
I am one who was robbed of
precious things held dear –
stripped, beaten, overcome –
abandoned, alone in fear.
Looking, longing for someone
to stop, have pity and care.
Listening to so many feet
passing closely by –
seeing faces turn away –
blind to the sight they see –
deaf to my pleading cries.
One, only, stops –
stays to see
how he might minister to me.
Kneeling in humility –
pouring grace and generosity
to relieve my grief and pain.
Who is this one befriending me?
He is my neighbour.
Love is his name.
The Dam
Author: Julie Howick
Hospice in The Weald
THE DAM
If the tears
gathered deep in me
should fall –
it seems a lake would overflow
into an everlasting sea –
carried to a distant shore.
But they do not flow.
Instead, as a dam
holds back the river’s rage,
they are blocked, confined –
captive in disarray –
in violent agitation –
searching, longing for release –
striving, fighting
to breach the walls of self defence –
built so high –
so carefully –
to protect this grieving heart
from those who yet
may further hurt
open wounds that will not heal.
Who can move this bastion
so strong it will not break or bend?
Who can release a cleansing stream –
living water –
to reveal a tranquil pool –
pure, calm, serene?
Untold
Author: Nina du Toit
Palliative Care Service
UNTOLD
There's a moon hanging heavy in the silent star studded sky
There's no one to share the magnificence
Of a cold African night turning dawn
The window's down and air flusters through my mind
As wheels spin across African borders
My thoughts turn to you.
There's a chapter unwritten in the story so far
There's a door missing and wind blows briskly into corners unsettling the dust.
There are cobwebs of memories that cling and disturb the mind
There's an opportunity for speech, which speaks only in silence
And reverberates in my head with monotonous certainty.
There are horses – black, pawing the soil, which lies untilled
There's a storm brewing and lightning on the horizon
And just here and there – the thought of you
You my African daughter, sister, friend & young mother in agony and despair
You my fragile and strong friend so wondrous and rare
You – a life - with nothing to compare
Isn't it weird?
Just when you need us certainly
Then we all disappoint you "definitely"
You who chose this African skyline and the greater world to dare………
There was the spark of your life, your touch on our world
and a story untold
NOW
Hands no longer reach out in greeting
Arms no longer hug
Eyes convey no meaning
There's a silhouette against the African dawn horizon
And I mourn enraged the tragedy of you,
who offered me African daughter, sister, friend in faith and trust and hope unashamed
The rage boils inside
The mourning spills over
The loss of that spirit called Fiona Nxonga
The African girl, sister, woman, mother. Queen
Her only "sin" was living and loving and hoping in Africa.
She lived with her boyfriend "Gift" next door and managed the house and tried to "manage" her life.
She ran to my friendship as a fellow countrywoman
To the arms of someone who could at least initially on some geographical level relate…..
Relate to her story – of the pursuit of a better life
For herself and her loved ones who were back home living in impoverishment
In Zimbabwe.
We greeted in Shona and shared the beauty and grace of the country of both our births.
She invited my daughters to swim off the heat of summer in the pool of the house next door.
She entertained with stories she carried in her heart and soul of her childhood and the flavours of an African Life & a Western cocktail.
She ran to assist me – when my sister and husband failed to understand my thinking - my allegiances – my passion and compassion for all people.
She arranged bakkies and helped pack and clean the "rented" house till late and saw me steal away from the "home" my sister and her husband so conditionally afforded me - to another home.
She visited and shared her achievements
She was A Queen of Africa
Regal and Proud in her bearing
A dresser of fashion of note.
Hopeful in her outlook
Tearful in her longing for those at "home" to know that she "was"
She could travel without passport / ID across African borders
She could cross rivers in dangerous wild territory
She could smuggle enclosed in "taxis" "trucks"
To live, and improve her life in Africa.
She lived and loved in Africa.
She arrived on the doorstep of my new home
After some long time
The baby was almost due
She had no where to go.
She coughed and spluttered and was thin
She answered "Yes"
When I asked if she had been to the clinic.
She answered "Yes"
When I asked if she had taken a TB test.
My heart was heavy with fear of the next question I would need to ask.
She answered "No"
When I asked if the test was positive.
My next question lay hanging in faith that it need not be asked.
She carried handbags full of tablets
All in yellow packets
She could not tell you why she drank any of them.
She could not tell you why she knew every hospital and clinic in Johannesburg
She could not tell you why she coughed up blood
Or why she went regularly to sit in long queues
For more tablets to line her handbags.
She chose her outfits with care.
She never appeared in the streets as the "Losing & Lost Daughter of Africa"
The "professionals" in government clinics and hospitals resented her looking so "good" on the exterior of things
They resented her "White" Aunty who was taking care of her and her unborn child, who drove at five in the morning to drop her off for "help" and picked her up from clinics and hospitals for check up, whenever possible
(She was full nine months pregnant – women in Africa are jealous of this coddling and tender loving care.) .
They resented her optimism that all would indeed be great & good because she was loved by a grandmother in rural Zimbawe, by me and by her friends.
They resented her speaking of her love and friendship for the "white man" she discretely never openly named.
They resented her crossing borders in pursuit of a better life.
They resented her for the African man who made her pregnant
To prove that she was fit for child bearing.
They resented that they too, would and could do, what she had done.
They resented that she too, was a glorious, confused-clairvoyant
Queen, daughter, sister, mother-to-be, friend
Living and Loving in Africa.
Her evenings were filled most often entertaining
My three daughters, my German daughter and Anna
(who was HIV positive and had eight children of her own)
She told the stories and tales of her life, her childhood, her travels across borders, her loves, her life.
Anna and girls and I coached her and supported her to the point where a daughter may be born to this Queen.
She was delivered to Coronation Hospital
She delivered her daughter Mpho late afternoon
She was returned to the pavement to wait for me to pick her up early the following morning.
She breast fed her daughter (no money in the house for formula)
and struggled with hidden stitches in tears.
She had no guidance on how to care for herself or her child.
She had not been given any surgical spirits and I only discovered the lack of guidance when the umbilical cord was turning septic.
We laughed – we cried – we loved her and Mpho.
Anna carried Mpho on her back and we all coaxed and loved Fiona
We rocked them in the sunlight which streamed through the diningroom window.
Fiona was thin and proud
She was proud and hopeful
She carried Mpho for visits on public transport to clinics
She dressed her baby "Queen" in glory.
She adored her and loved her and struggled as young mothers do.
She coughed and spluttered
She lined her handbag with pills and disinformation.
It would seem no-one could explain
"the matter with Fiona"
Anna – discovered the stash of yellow tablets in brown paper bags during one of her spring cleaning sprees.
The house was full to capacity
Danie / Lelanie had joined our family as they looked for themselves.
Two bi-polar friends caused chaos
Trying to find understanding.
I was dismayed
I was astounded at the discovery
Of tablets untaken
I was outraged
At explanations not provided
Insights not afforded or gained
At "Patient Rights" violated.
I was Aunty
To take care
To probe
To question
To trust
She left to show off her daughter
To the father
Who had taken another.
He would buy blankets and booties
And maybe a pram
To push the baby Queen
In regal transport down the streets of the upmarket suburb.
She did not return
Taxis delayed transport we all thought.
Staying over with "sisters" to share the joy.
She was returned
Baby wrapped and in clean nappy.
Dumped at the gate.
Slung out of a passing car
Like a bag of bad news.
The girls phoned Mom
Fiona's back
She's bad Mom
Please come home quick
"Call the ambulance"
"I'll be there now – but I am far away"
"Is Mpho all right?"
"Yes – she looks fine"
"Keep her at home"
"Send Fiona with the ambulance"
So - off to home.
Ambulance took her to Helen Joseph
She was abducted and raped
A set up, by a jealous girlfriend, of the father of Mpho.
At Helen Joseph
Thank God – found Fiona
Waiting to attention – five hours
Only then discover
Insensitive doctor
Wrong hospital
Woman's issue
To be dealt with by Coronation for women.
Long wait
Back in Ambulance
Off to Coronation.
What about Mpho?
There's no milk at home.
It's after hours – no shops open.
Ask for milk. Not possible. Dispensary closed..
Return home – tell Anna – take care Mpho and all the girls crying.
Back to Coronation.
Find Fiona
Sitting in a ward – waiting in government issue open backed issue..
Nurses can't let her rest in the open bed.
Fight with them – what is the delay.
"She is not bleeding so badly – file missing on lower floor.
In any case who are you to her?
Why are you "Involved"? "
God !!!!!!!!!!!
Thank God – doctor pauses on round to listen and intervene and ensure a bed in the chaos of pain.
"Can Mpho join her mother?
No
What can we do – there is no milk to feed the child ???
Shops are closed?"
No response – no help – no support.
God!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Petrol – borderline – no money coming in.
Disaster looming on all fronts.
Faith – hold on.
Days pass
Fiona's home – life moves on.
Scared to walk alone.
Scared to go out.
Scared Queen to live.
Conquer fear – get out there – live life African Queen.
Press – dress – perform
Hold head high
Hold child close to heart
Be the African Queen you are.
Trust – faith – belief.
So on you go.
So on we went.
Again upheaval and removal
Home lost to the turn of tides.
Accusations and misunderstanding
You cannot even take care of yourself and kids!!
And these people!!!!!!!!??????
Separations and partings
So on you go
So on we went
All our separate ways.
Time to time
Visit – call
How you Fiona & Mpho?
Still coughing and spluttering.
Are you going to the clinic?
Yes.
Take the medicine – take care – we love you.
How you Aunty Nina and girls and Alex and Paul and Brad and all?
All fine.
Phone call – Aunty Nina – they say I have TB.
Well Fiona – at last you know.
Are you going to the clinic regularly?
Are you taking medicines?
Are you taking care?
What about Mpho?
Yes – thank you – Yes
Visit in March / April 2005 just after phonecall
Fiona & Mpho and sisters and daughter and friend in tow.
Looking weak and thinner
Eyes huge and soulful and sad.
Great to see you (My heart bleeds)
So kind of you to bring her
You're a man of words and DEEDS.
Aunty Nina I'm HIV positive.
There's hope you know – we won't leave you – we won't let you go.
Not without a fight
We'll do all in our might.
There's anti retrovirals
People recover and live you know.
We love you – you know – don't give up hope – don't let go.
I want to go home to see my grandmother in Zimbabwe
I miss her so.
There's no food even there.
She's old and can't care
For you or Mpho.
You stand a better chance here.
Get on a programme
Get well and then go to greet her and love her and be with her in Africa.
Hope – smiles – faith – tears.
So on you go
So on we went
Find out about programme for Antiretrovirals
Then Fiona's in clinic – CD4 count very low.
Next slapped into hospital. Transferred to another and then again without any notice to anyone else .
So far – so distant – so removed!!!!
Treatment for TB.
What about the HIV/ AIDS?
Her CD4 counts low you know.
Nothing in her file- can't trace any record of HIV/ AIDS
Confidential you know
Can't treat without voluntary disclosure.
Even then – don't have the resources / facilities for Anti Retrovirals in any case.
How's this when there is such a strong link between TB and HIV????
Just the way things are you know!!!!
Do you counsel her?
Do you talk to her – do you try to help her???????
God??????
Yes well – we try you know.
Visit her – little slip of a soul – with great big eyes.
Is that you – can't get off the bed to wash.
We brought you love and biscuits and cream and soap and a face cloth.
To make you feel better.
We love you – get better.
Let me wash your face and hands.
Don't use the water from the basin tap – another unvisited patient screams.
So sorry – just trying to care for one.
Ask ward nurses for the way to the bathroom.
Weird request – what you want to do there?
Just help her to bath – give her some care.
Make her feel better – try to do something / anything
Powerless / defenceless -
patient and family / friend / sister / mother / carer you know.
Bathe her & talk to her & show her in the mirror how beautiful she is.
Show her that she should live – fight to live.
Remember your stories – remember your life.
Gonna bring you a tape as soon as you're better.
Tell your story – tell the world about your life.
You're such a great story teller.
You relate with such passion and joy.
You'll tell the story and live to love and nurture and tell the story to Mpho.
Hope – please cause that's all we can offer NOW
Hang in there – we'll get there – soon we hope.
Leave her in thanks to nurses , in faith and prayer.
Where to now?
We talk and network and try to bend powers that be.
It has to be recorded in her file or no action can be taken.
Track the file/s and tests from the clinics just before the hospitalization>>>>
Mission impossible. Not a doctor >>> Not a relative>>>
Confidentiality and disclosure you know.
Her honourable, true and stand by friend
Desperate
Try bribing and coercion
Get the matron on your side.
Please help us save her
Send her for the CD4 count.
Fruit and biscuits and flowers.
Yes - O K
Please write it in the file!! Please so that it is REAL.
Please set a date.
Set for 5th July 2005
CD4 Test a nearby clinic
Then refer with date to Helen Joseph.
Relief – joy – maybe something will now be done.
Just wait Fiona – we're working on it
Just hang on – we'll get there with you by our side.
Hope, faith, joy, tears.
Date is set.
Getting on with life.
Because we must go on.
Calls - Remember to push the system.
Call the matron
Has Fiona been sent for CD4 test.
Matron's not available on 4th July.
On a training course for two days.
No one ever told us – the nurses.
She has thrush and tests for CD4 cannot be done reliably.
(What are we to know – is this true – or just delay)
No time to call – working at life and living and getting by.
Worry and wait – try pushing again on Monday 11th .
Hectic Monday – don't get around to pushing.
Work on Tuesday 12th
Get through lot of lots to be done.
Take a break in your mind.
Think of Fiona.
Call for matron.
Not available
Leave message
Call later again
Must push……….. must push ,,,,, get Fiona there.
Not available again
Put me through to ward
At least find out how she is
At least let her know we're gonna get her there.
Hello – What – Oh - Of Fiona Nxongo – that one. ……… !!!!!
Very bad news
What – don't tell me
Very bad – she passed away on Saturday 9th July 2005.
We called Yoeville police station to inform family & friends.
God – our numbers were in her file!!!!!!!!!!
Her story is over
It, like so many millions of others, won't get told.
Her only sin was that she lived and loved and hoped in Africa.
Your daughter lives on.
Another orphan in Africa
Her Queen and mother
Has passed beyond her reach and understanding
May she know one day your life and love and hope and story in Africa
May she know how you danced and laughed with joy and glee.
How she loved LIFE and her daughter
May she live to the Glory that she your daughter with HIV / AIDS is and
Love and Hope and rewrite the story of
A Queen, a daughter, a sister, a mother, a friend, a woman in Africa.
Fiona Nxongo of rural village in Zimbabwe
Your story lives
It shames all the systems
All the officials
All the governments
The local and global powers that be
who don't care
That you lived and loved an African Queen in Africa.
And now
So on you go – crossing spiritual boundaries in Africa
So on we went crossing purposes in Africa.
So we all go on………..
I ran from work – on hearing the news.
Note I will be back – have to get it all out.
Will be back tomorrow when it's all out.
But it is never going to be all over and out.
We love you and mourn you – Nina, Jeudis, Nicolle, Zantelle, Alexandra from Germany, Paul, Anna, Brad and many many more. 12 July 2005
for sameer
Author: Patricia Luck
Hospice Witwatersrand
Too young to die
Too old to hide
Just time to me
And learn how to fly
Dissertation on a delightfully delicious dessert designed just for me
Author: Kay Bates
Sue Ryder Care, Leckhampton Hospice
Wow!!!!
My Friend
Author: Joan Summers
I have a sister-in-law dear to me,
She has taught me a lot about the big"C"
Positive of thought and steely of will,
Watercolours, silk painting - all done with GREAT skill.
These are talents she knew not she had,
So many good things have come from the bad
We talk on the phone for an hour at a time,
She tells me her news and I tell her mine.
She tells me she still has a lot of "damage" to do
and knowing my Mona, I'm sure this is true.
So many milestones, for herself, she has set,
So far, one by one, all have been met.
She says "She has a lot of diel in her yet"
So please, dear Lord, give her the TIME.
The Spider Inside
Author: Dorothy Trewartha
Trimar
By Dorothy Trewartha
She’s lurked in my body
For too many years
Growing bigger and scarier
Just like my fears
She sits in a corner
And sends out her thread
To my back, to my lung,
To my liver, (my head?)
“Why should it be me?”
Why not?” she replies,
“Someone else didn’t get it
and everyone dies.”
“You have many blessings
and faced up to your fear
I’m a very slow grower
which is why you’re still here.”
Why?
Author: Valerie Fraser
Highland Hospice
We were a family of five
Mum, Dad and two brothers
Disaster struck, why?
Loving father taken, why?
Six months? a year? no six weeks
Why? Why?
Years have past by,
Yes, Daddy's pride and joy
Why!
Yes! all clear, no more.
No, not again, why?
Chemo, pain, sleepless nights
Why? what have I done?
Yes, all clear again -
But no, still pain.
Why, why pain?
OH no again, it's back
It escaped, the little bug(ger).
No chemo, but radio this time.
But it's not only Daddy's pride and joy
But many more loved ones over the world
All asking the big question -
WHY!!
Wings, my angel...
Author: Ângela Simőes
I wish I had wings to fly with you
But wings is the one thing I don´t have
I wish I had wings to grow
But if I ever get my wings, I still don´t know
I wish I had wings to live
But without wings I continued forward
I wish I had wings to know you
But I knew you even witheout my wings
I wish I had wings...I wish I don´t miss you so much
I wish you don´t flayed away so soon
I wish I have you still with me
Although I keep growing, living, smiling
And wishing that some day I have my wings
To fly right back to you!
My grandfather was diagnosted with cancer in January 1993. He died in December of that same year. He is my angel...forever.
Thoughts of a Hospice patient
Author: Harriet McCaul
Lindsey Lodge Hospice in Scunthorpe, DN17 2AA
The founders should be proud indeed
this Hospice cares for those in need.
Our thanks to those who volunteer
their time and cars to bring us here.
When welcomed with a cheerful smile
most folks are glad to stay awhile
And other people pleased to meet
once settled in a comfy seat.
The staff and helpers then proceed
to try and tend each patients' need.
They may a nurse or doctor be-
or someone who makes cups of tea.
A midday meal the cooks prepare
and we have several choices there
of food, well cooked and served aright,
in dining room that's clean and bright.
Some people find they still have skills
to make nice things despite their ills.
A craft instructor shows the way
to fill spare time throughout the day.
The drivers come back after three
when we have had some cake and tea.
So "thanks for all your care" we say
before we go our homeward way.
If you are living all alone
and cannot go out on your own
to mix with others is a pleasure
each visit then is time to treasure.
A bedded unit now is here
for those whose ills are more severe
or need to have some respite care
so carers can some free time share.
Supporters of the hospice know
from little acorns oak trees grow.
So grateful thanks we give to all
for contributions – great and small
what is a hug
Author: jan McClaren
the rowans hospice
The world has changed in many ways
Some obvious to see
But other changes have happened too
Some quite subtly.
Thankfully the days are past
When a stiff upper lip was expected
But now emotions can be shown
Without fear of being rejected
Think of when a baby is born
The first thing it gets is a cuddle
Why does that gesture get lost?
Why is life a struggle?
There isn’t a person who has a life
That’s free of stresses and strain
Everyone has their problems
And no-one can stop that pain
Simple things can make a difference
Perhaps a hug is all it would take
It’s easy to give and free to do
But what a change it could make
Because a hug can say you’re happy
It can even say you’re sad
A hug can even prompt a tear
To relieve when times are bad
A hug can say you’re sorry
A hug can show you care
A hug can say you’re not on your own
Or many thanks for being there.
So no matter what ups and downs in life
Happen to come your way
Be sure that if you’re given a hug
Remember it through the day
Because a hug can mean so many things