Her name was Miss Gordon
If I close my eyes now, I can still feel her hand stroking my hair. She was my favourite person in that nursing home in Essex, just outside London. How long has it been when I left my job there and moved to London? That was in 2001, and it took me a couple of years after to go back for a short visit.
At that time in her early 90's, she then had dementia, which she didn't have when I was still there. Her room full of books, she had one of the best views, overlooking the home's pond at the back garden. Her demeanour was very strict then, and the staff were hesitant to go inside her room, let alone stay for a "quick chat". If they can help it, they wouldn't. Her demeanour was just that. Take it or leave it. BUT SHE WAS LOVELY TO ME.
Though I might have forgotten a lot of our conversations, I remember going in and out of her room as my job allow on a day shift, she usually went to bed early. I know for a fact that she longed for company. She have had a brother and a cousin who were coming to see her, but oh so infrequently! In a couple of years that I was there, she probably was taken out by her brother, like once a month? This even sounds more than it was. Perhaps.
Struggling for more words to describe her, I can see her clearly in my mind, the way she was. Staff had to follow her routine to a T, most especially her clothes for the day. Her medicines taken, one at a time, even those so tiny ones. But she was lonely. Her love story was heart-breaking to say the least. The love of her life didn't come back to UK after the war, that's almost a lifetime of having a broken heart, with only her books and a radio on day in, day out.
Our last embrace
As I rushed to see her that day, she called my name. I've only learned of her dementia when we were leaving, accordingly, she didn't know the staff. Nor remember them. She have had dementia for a couple of years. It amazed them to see how she could remember me.
I have forgotten if we even said a word to each other, but I do remember kneeling at her feet and hugging her lap. No words, just grateful and glad to have seen each other and be together at that moment. I don't recall on how long we were in that position...her stroking my hair. She looked so sad and I could understand why. In that moment, we just knew it would be the last time we'll see each other. Deep inside we knew. Her heart wasn't well, she could leave anytime.
This realisation replaced whatever tiny gladness I have had on seeing her, it was replaced by pain and sadness and resignation. And both of us knew. There was no other choice but to accept the fact that she wouldn't last long. The difference was that, our age gap didn't matter. For when two souls speak to each other, there's no need for words. She passed away I think in less than a year.
What a beautiful story....so touching.
Ramdam ko po bawat letra na sinulat nyo.
:):) hugssss
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Oh that's nice to hear!!! Thank you ate.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Nursing is a calling, not a career...and you were surely called. Nicely written @immarojas... had me blinking .
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Oh wow, that's the nicest thing that's ever said to me.. thank you.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I have no words just ❤❤❤
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Moments such as that, our memories of them last a lifetime. Our emotions included. Hugs @bearone.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
❤
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This is heart breaking =(
I am sorry for your loss @immarojas. I cannot say that I know where you are coming from because we deal with loss differently. I could not understand how one person could be expected to cope. I hope you find your peace someday =) Stay strong.
Love,
Gilaine
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hi Gilaine..thanks.She was one of my patients before.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Patients needs compassion and nurses learns to give it to their patients as they practice their profession.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
True..we can learn to be more compassionate, it's a struggle for some of us.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
awwww! She remembered you coz you were extra nice to her. I salute nurses like you. Your job is for people with genuine hearts. Your story made me teary-eyed. I'm sure Miss Gordon is in a better place now. :-)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Gosh..why are people so nice to me today? Thanks a lot @pinoynomad. All the best to you. See u around!!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Because you are nice and your story moved us. See you around too! :-)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Pssst, not too much, masungit ako lolssss. Have you heard of our group @steemph Family???
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
No, not yet. I will check it out. :-)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
stared at the reply box for a few minutes and thought of what to say but nothing comes to my my mind than a depressing story that i can relate with ....very well written though! Your love and compassion for what you do is undeniable , so proud of you :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hi insan..finally! Yeah, kind of depressing and amazing at the same time, but even to this day, the wonder of it amazes me.
Welcome aboard!
You know these people? @mariayves0912 @bowiemagbag @idamagbag @raynarojas
You are welcome to my new steemian family @steemph. #SteemitPhilippines
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
kitam?
iba talaga pag orig ..ipagpa2loy mo pa yan gurlash ;)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Ahahaha..naisep kita lolsss! Thanks girlfrend..hanggang sa muling pag-uusap ahehe
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Akala ko hanggang sa muling pagkikita hahaha! Parang iba at lipad isip ko eh.... Hehehe
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Para sa mga buhay po ate lolsss
Though our grief remains for a long time, those moments we have of them remain and much stronger than sorrow.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hahaha, mabuhay..... Ang mga patay sa November hahaha. Kahit may happen kailangan pa ring tumawa pra maibsan ang hinagpis at pangungulila. At least they are now in no pain but in peace. God bless you Jan at ingat, btw NASA ibang bansa ka pa din ba?
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
UU po. Uve heard na un proper tagging sa curation?
#philippines if english
#pilipinas if tagalog or in a dialect
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
kulit mo :P
nagkataon lang late ang mga sundo ko :P
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Ilang sundo ba need mo? Di ka naman siguro bubuhatin ng 5 tao noh??
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
tse kulit
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Totots!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
The truth of this story shines through. Souls always recognize each other. Beautiful!!!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
hey @onetree!!! Coming from you is awesome, how have you been?
Hey listen, I have been introducing our new group @steemph Family. We will be marketing the platform thru charity initiatives in the Philippines. Please check us out when you have the time.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
That means a lot to me. You really captured your experience and gave us a glimpse of your friend. I am touched by the truth of the doul experience. This is why we are here, is it not? I will definitely check out your initiative when I am back at my computer.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yeah, even now I still wonder how amazing that moment was with her.
Sad and amazed at the same time when i think of her.
Her loss was very profound.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
💚
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Be well @onetree, nice to have heard from you.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Very beautifull story...love to read it..thank for share your
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You're welcome, am glad you find it beautiful. Others find it depressing. There is a beauty and wonder to it all for me.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Waiting for other post...
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Ahaha pls wait a while..pressure hey?
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Oh my I can't help but feeling sad and lonely teary ryed while reading how u have been remembered. I was still in grief missing my papa who passed in a quite calmly way this month. He too become forgotten sometimes I don't even know if he still know us that time. But he do still smile if us sisters talk funny things and he smile while lying in bed got we have so loud voices laughing. I can still picture it out on my mind, how I missed my papa, tears falls down but I don't want them to see for I want them to see me strong while missing him inside my heart to keep my mama not to cry too. You may felt lonely for she was gone but felt at ease the same time for she can now rest in peace. Have a good day. Tnx for sharing :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you and you're welcome.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
A painful reality but you can't stop it
So we just have to accept it
And embrace reality.
Wow! I love the story pero masakit sa puso .
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Masaket yeah.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you for sharing this with me @immarojas! I have a dozen seniors that I have personally treated for the last decade. They are all in the 80s now and I am going to be absolutely wrecked when anyone of them take their last breath.
Good for you, for saving her spirit and the nature of your special relationship on the blockchain. It's invaluable.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I treasure a few, and you're in it. Just so u know @rebeccaryan. Hugs.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You are a rare Gem yourself @immarojas! I consider you a treasure too and I am lucky to know you and call you my friend. Hugs back to you.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Don't disappear @rebeccaryan ;)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
What a beautiful and touching story. I am so happy that you were there for her, you angel you! She sounds like an amazing character to have known too.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Oh Sallybeth..we have had loads of them with characters. A miss london was there too. And each day was fun for me..except some heart-breaking situations.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Touching story! People like you who contribute society on such an amazing way should be appreciated more.. but right ones will recognize that, like Miss Gordon.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you Alex..a little appreciation goes a long way yet sadly there's not much of that sometimes. We should stop expecting but we can't help it..am glad that you do.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This is a moving story. Thank you for sharing it.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you Tom. Cheers.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I'm so sorry for your loss.
😄😇😄
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you..that was 15 yrs ago..a patient of mine.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I don't know what to say... I'm sorry for your loss. @immarojas Life goes like that, but it's always hard to accept it.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Life is wonderful when friends abound.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Congratulations @immarojas! You have completed some achievement on Steemit and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :
Award for the number of comments
Click on any badge to view your own Board of Honor on SteemitBoard.
For more information about SteemitBoard, click here
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOP
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
i'm touched by this one..😢
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Ganda ba?
Magsulat ka nga ng ilocano..use pilipinas as a tag. i-curate mi.
Follow @ettenin ...andito na sya.wa pa post.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
thanks for tlc daw =D
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yeah.. true that!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
very well written, I could see it happen
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
So nice to know she remembered you. Nice story.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Ive only learnt she had dementia when we were leaving..that was surreal right?? the wonder of it.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
What a heartbreaking story!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I can relate but i will stay speechless for now. Stay strong!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hey Terry, thanks! This was like 15 years ago, she's one of my patients then.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Nice that you still shared it now. It still served the purpose of teaching!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
The memory is fresh..all of it. It never entered my mind that it can be used as a "teaching" stuff. Thanks Terry.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Congratulations @immarojas! You have completed some achievement on Steemit and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :
Award for the number of comments received
Click on any badge to view your own Board of Honor on SteemitBoard.
For more information about SteemitBoard, click here
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOP
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit