A Tribute to George

Ive been a HH nurse for 5 years now and today I lost a long timer. he became my patient because he was too crabby for the others, he was a "hard stick" for all the blood draws, he was in chronic pain and was non-compliant. I took him on because I told him he didnt scare me and he could go ahead and cuss me out, I was a big girl and could take it, and he finally smiled and said I know, thats why I like you. Under the crusty exterior was a smart, interesting man. Over the years we became friends and as I helped this once dignified man and his devoted wife battle all the indignities of old age, pain and illness, my admiration for his strength and character grew. A week ago he came home after yet another GI bleed and decided no more dialysis, no more transfusions. It was time to go. I helped get him admitted to hospice and posted all my personal #'s on the fridge and told the family to call me anytime. My last call came this morning and I went and helped him for the last time. I will never forget him and I will miss George.