A Shared Blessing

     Before I moved  to Virginia, I worked in the admissions department of a skilled nursing facility. I loved this job because it allowed me to interact with people on a very personal level and really get to know their family dynamics.  Little did I know that I would also get the opportunity to witness some pretty amazing events that just can't be explained. This particular story is actually my all time favorite.
     About two months after I started there, a very nice, stoic gentleman came in requesting long term care for his mother. We sat down for a long time going over what type of care our facility offered for people with Alzheimer's, her finances, next of kin, etc. The man informed me that he wouldn't be able to  visit every single day because of his work and distance to the facility. Sensing that this bothered him, I told him we would call him if it became necessary and as long as his mother was able to participate, we would keep her busy with various activities when he wasn't there.
     Mrs. Ware* was a very, very quiet woman. It became obvious that her Alzheimer's was advancing quickly and she would often sit in her bed, staring out the window. She did not participate when taken to activities and even had to be fed by the staff. She was sadly very withdrawn and unaware.
     Her son visited every other day, like clockwork. He would go into her room, tell her the days events and just sit and watch TV with her. She hardly ever spoke or even acknowledged his presence.
     I worked in the front office so after the initial first few months, I didn't get the chance to see Mr. Ware* very often but knew by the patient reports that he continued with his visits.
     One night I was stuck at work late, which meant I was also running late to pick up my daughter. As I started to walk fast down the hall, the heels on my shoes echoed "click, click, click" on the hard floors. All of a sudden I heard "excuse me, miss?" come from Mrs. Ware's room. "Oh shoot!" I thought as I glanced at my watch. Since she had been there for almost  three years at this point, I knew she didn't necessarily need me in particular so I thought "let me grab a CNA". For some strange reason, something drew me from that thought and I went into her room. "Can I help you with something, Mrs. Ware?" As I stood there looking at her, she appeared very alert, which I found odd. She then said "could I talk to you for a minute?". In my mind I thought "oh boy, am I going to be late!". "Yes, Mrs. Ware, what can I get you?". She quickly replied "Do you know my son, George*?", I told her that yes, I did know George and he was a very nice man. She then said "Did you know he visits me almost every day? I am so lucky  to have him for a son" and she smiled. That was all she wanted to  tell me.
     The next morning I went into work and my boss, Joann, told me "Mrs. Ware passed late last night". I could only look at her as she shared this news.
     Two days later, Mr. Ware was walking past the front lobby, picking up his mothers personal items. Again, something told me what I had to do.
     I quickly crossed the lobby and asked him if I could speak to him for a moment in private. Not sure if I was making the right choice, I told him of the events that took place the night before and told him I was sorry if what I said upset him as he stood looking at the floor.
     He looked up at me, eyes full of tears and threw his arms around me. "Thank you so much, I always wondered if she even knew I was there". In that moment, I knew why she had told me this and I was so grateful that for some unknown reason, I had been blessed to share this gift with him. It suddenly occurred to me the inner turmoil and pain this kind and gentle man had endured all this time. Now he could be assured his love for his mother had not been unnoticed and his efforts to show that love had not been in vain
     This event took place almost 9 years ago and it still touches my heart. Even though the circumstances dictated that I should have hurried along, I am so thankful that whatever caused me to stop in her room blessed me with this wonderful gift. Fate was kind that day!

*Patient and family names were changed to protect their privacy.