This morning we were phoned by Simon's attached hospice nurse at nine thirty. She suggested that we should get over there sooner rather than later which sounded rather ominous though unsurprising. Normal visiting hours are between two and seven.
We arrived at lunchtime and were taken to Simon's spacious room - The Princess Diana Suite. There was even a framed picture of her by the door. She was smiling coyly as princesses are wont to do.
The hospice was modern, very clean and immaculately presented. Simon was lying in his hospital bed, unable to converse or communicate his basic needs. His eyes were closed or half open. He has been receiving sedation and occasional painkilling injections. He isn't even drinking any more and if he had died this afternoon - just drifted away - it would not have been a surprise.
Quietly, I sang three songs to him - "Waltzing Matilda", "The Skye Boat Song" and "Lavender's Blue Dilly Dilly". Shirley played him some tunes on her smartphone including "Scarborough Fair"and two songs recorded by our talented niece Katie. One of these caused my eyes to leak.
I held his hand and stroked his hair and put an ice cube to his lips. It is doubtful that he even knew we were there.
The staff were lovely and understanding. It takes special people to care for the dying - to see them on their way in peace and without pain. I am very grateful for their service.
We are planning to travel back to Hull on Wednesday but that journey may not happen because he could so easily die tonight or tomorrow.. And when he goes, all of his demons and unrealised dreams will go with him. Sixty six years is not the longest life to be lived by far but for Simon it seems sufficient. I stroked his arm and tidied his hair and wished him "sweet dreams".
from Yorkshire Pudding https://ift.tt/OnJ6tiG
