Trigger

About 6 weeks ago a fellow elderly cancer patient friend of mine had a stroke, as a result of the tumor on her brain.  The stroke left her with virtually complete memory loss, as well as, some loss of motor function.  Before her stroke, Beverly was a vivacious, and lively woman.  She had many friends and family visit her.  One of her "regular" visitors was her son, Peter.  He visited her daily.  On many occasions he also brought his wife, and two young children to see Beverly.  After her stroke, I noticed that he stopped visiting Bev.  My curiosity got the best of me, and asked the nurse staff why Peter was no longer visiting.  The nurses expressed to me that it was difficult on the kids, as well as himself, to visit a woman who can't remember who they are.

Hearing this broke my heart.  I wondered if there was any way I could help.  I questioned many nurses, and my own doctors about any methods being used to jump start her memory.  They explained to me that using picture flash cards with a mix of naming everyday objects, solving simple math problems, and spelling words was a beneficial exercise for the brain, and triggering memories.  Beverly was working with a therapist, using these techniques to strengthen her brain function.  Unfortunately, the family could only afford Bev to have therapy sessions twice a week.  At that pace, it would take months for Beverly to regain her missing memories.  That was unacceptable to me, so I took it upon myself to go through the flash cards with her every day I was at the hospital.  I experienced, first hand, the flash cards strengthening her brain function.  While going through the flash cards, and for a little while after going through them, Bev would tell me stories about her past.  It was wonderful to see her progression.  The nurses and docs were thrilled with how well she was doing.  I was ecstatic, and knew it was time to call her son.

Beverly's doctor called Peter to share her progress with him, and encouraged him to visit.  He was happy to hear about her positive strides, and he agreed to visit her the next day(2-1-2014).  I made sure to be with Bev before her son's arrival, so we could go through the flash cards, and trigger those memories.  I was sitting in her room with my back was turned to the hallway, but the moment I saw her face light up, I knew her son and his family were there.  She recognized all of them!  She remembered!  The family shared hugs, kisses and laughter.  It was a beautiful moment!  I was honored to witness such a wonderful reunion.

I received a phone call from Bev's son this morning.  Her cancer took her away from this earth while she was sleeping.  He called to thank me for bringing his family together one last time.  His voice cracked on the other end of the phone line as he told me that I gave his family peace, and closure that the family needed.  He went on to explain that he let his stubbornness, and fear get the best of him.  Lastly, he told me if it wasn't for what I did, he wouldn't have had that last beautiful day with his mom.  He thanked me once more before hanging up the phone.  I held it together the best I could during the call, but the second the call ended, I broke down.  Tears of sadness, and tears absolute joy streamed down my face.

My heart is weeping due to the passing of Beverly, but my heart is also rejoicing that her son, and her grandchildren have the unforgettable memories of their last day with Bev.