In Memory Of

           On Thursday May 12, 2011 Joe Richwine set out to meet his maker. This makes the second client I’ve lost but he is not forgotten and I hope to keep a reference to all that will pass on after this. In his active years he was a humble electrician and devoted husband, and farmer. His wife was extremely devoted to him as well.

            The first time I met him, I was informed that he was currently suffering from cancer of the hips. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why I admired him so much since I lost my own father to skin cancer. His wife is an extremely doting woman who wanted to make sure that he had the best of care and I did my best to oblige her wishes. I can understand how she feels. The first week he was lively and proud of his occupation. It was the one thin that he always smiled about. The only other thing that made him smile was to get him to talk about his wife.

            I knew it was coming soon though. Watching him slowly deteriorate and feeling helpless to do anything about it. During my second week with him, it seemed he had suffered a mild stroke. He had gone from being an active man to someone who could hardly get out of be on his own. I would sometimes laugh at his determination during the night because he would still try to get up and move. I know from personal experience that it’s hard for any ailment to keep you down when you want to do something, anything other than lay there.

            On April 24, 2011 Joe seemed greatly troubled and restless. The pain appeared to pulsate though out his cancerous hip made him fidgety. Resisting the need to lay down and be quiet, he kept trying to get up and move around. Sometimes a person has to move because it becomes to difficult to just lay there and take what life throws at you. But after taking a mouth full of meds and slurping up some bran flakes he is finally worn out. Cold coffee and a glass of prune juice sit on his bedside hospital tray. At least he is content and happy to be at home with family and caregivers who love him.

            The oxygen machine by the front door kills the quietness with its thumping and hissing. A gentle breeze billowing from a nearby fan keeps him cool. It also buffets a potted lily plant making it look like trumpets announcing the morning has begun. It is Easter morning.

            Rest in peace Joe Richwine and if God is willing, I will try to come to your funeral. If I have more clients to take care of, I will see you in Heaven.