Photo Credit: Elizabeth Kay
Tick
Tick
Tick
Tick
The sound of time moving.
My 97 year old angel patient, with her head tilted to the side, as she lays her head on her adjustable side table, covered with a tiny pillow, papers and her glasses. She’s covered her shoulders, arms and back with a stark white bath towel to keep warm. It’s 84 degrees outside, but her thin blood keeps her feeling cold with any temperature inside less than 80 degrees.
Tick
Tick
Tick
Tick
She’s sleeping, but opens her left eye as I touch her back and shoulder to let her know I’m here for her massage.
“What day is it? It must be morning. It’s it time for lunch?” she mumbles, saliva on her tiny pillow from some deep sleep the prior few hours.
“It’s Wednesday. It’s almost lunch time. Just keep sleeping while I give you a massage.” I say.
“Ok” she says, and relaxes her body as sleep overtakes her thin body.
Tick
Tick
Tick
Tick
The passage of time while I’m working.
I feel her slow, shallow breath going in and out as my right hand is gently on her back and left hand gently on her shoulder.
“Mmmm. That feels nice” she says, over the saliva soaked pillow.
Her back feels bony and frail. Her hair is white, matching the towel she’s wrapped in. She has 8 wrinkle lines coming from the corner of her mouth where obvious smiles have come and gone over the years.
She smiles. The wrinkles pull upwards toward her ears. “How long can you stay?” she says.
“Just rest.” I say.
As I continue to work, her breathing slows. Occasional puffs out her mouth of breathing, making her lips part. She’s sleeping again.
I have a talk with Divine Creator in my mind.
“She’s my angel and coming home soon. Earth has had her long enough.” says DC.
“I have been lucky and blessed to know this beautiful soul. Thank you DC. Being in her presence is my gift today. I receive it gladly and with humbleness.” I say.
Tick
Tick
Tick
Tick
Tick
Tick
Tick.