In February, I wrote a post titled "The Residents". Remember Stephen? He is the guy that started saying HEY all the time. It turns out there is a specific reason for Stephen adopting a word and repeating it over and over again. It is his way of managing some very intense pain that the drugs barely dull for him. As you may recall, I hear Stephen at breakfast and at lunch. It has become so routine no one really even notices it anymore. Until it stopped.
Stephen died Sunday. I did not work this weekend so this morning when I went to work I noticed his absence. I asked one of the nurses and she informed me that it had been an eventful weekend. Not only had Stephen died, 3 other residents did too. Frank, Laverne and Nettie all died this weekend as well. They all died quickly, there was not really any warning.
The flu had been going around the home, this is so dangerous for the elderly. The flu killed Laverne. Frank died in his sleep, and if you ask me Nettie just gave up.
It was a very quiet Monday. There were some empty seats at mealtimes today. Although, it was odd that Stephen's chair was already filled with a new resident.
I wanted to say, "HEY, that's Stephen's chair!".
Malicious Extrapolation
9 years ago
Posts
I don't know whether to cry or be happy that Stephen is no longer in pain.
ReplyDeleteI imagine the loss of residence will be an ongoing thing in a retirement home. That would make it hard to open yourself up and allow them in; knowing they would be leaving soon.
On the other hand, if you're not willing to open you heart to them . . . it wouldn't really be your kind of job would it.
You're a strong woman and I'm sure you dealt with their passing with grace. Over time I would imagine it will be easier to see their seats filled than left empty.