Page 53 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2018- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS
Coffee &

Coconut

Pie by Kara Leslie

When people think of hospice, they combination of lights to create the need it for next time. That date will
think of death and dying. They are perfect mood. “Now let’s find the best have to wait though, because she died
correct. We are a wonderful resource place on the couch to kiss.” I tried all the ten days later.
in a very difficult time because we offer cushions. She wanted him to feel very I love my job helping people with
peace, support and medical services to comfortable. When I had tried the last dying, death and yes, even dating
patients and families. But this story will seat, the doorbell rang. I asked if she because hospice is mostly about
surprise you. Recently, this chaplain was was ready, and her answer was, “Always bringing love and peace to patients and
asked to help a patient get ready for a for him and his soft kisses.” families in a difficult time. And when
special date. I answered the door and introduced kissing and coconut pie are involved, it
When I arrived, she was sitting in her myself as we walked to the den. When is even sweeter.
dressing room gazing at her reflection in his eyes beheld her, they warmed with
the mirror. She was wearing a soft crème deep affection. She held
shirt with coral flowers and tan pants. onto the walker as he Rev. Kara Leslie is an Episcopal priest,
Her lipstick matched the pink in her stepped up to kiss her and who works as a chaplain with Interim
blouse, and her skin looked warm and said, “Hello, my Love.” Hospice. She also has her own private
silky. Her hair was almost done, but she She relaxed into the counseling practice.
asked me to check the back. I used the tender words.
pick to fluff out a few of the tighter curls, We chaperones
finishing with hair spray. “Give it one blushed a little when
more spray,” she directed. I did as she the kissing started.
asked, using all the spray. She checked My patient spoke up,
her look one more time and announced, “Would you like a
“I am ready.” piece of pie? I got your
She stood up carefully, took hold favorite - coconut.”
of her walker, and together, we made The table was set with
our way to her recliner. She told me cloth napkins, china
again about her friend. They had been cups and plates laden
a couple for over two years, but when with big pieces of pie.
she’d had to move into her daughter’s The soft flicker of a
home, their time together had lessened. candle added to the
“This date is going to be extra special. ambiance.
We are going to have coffee and coconut It seemed a good
crème pie because it is his favorite.” time for the “extras” to
Suddenly, she seemed a little exit. She had planned
nervous. She didn’t want him to see everything for her
her weak and using a walker. She special date - the
wanted to appear as vibrant as when candle, the seats, the
they’d traveled, danced and dated at the lights, her outfit, her
retirement home. They were the couple makeup, her hair, and
and were always together, until her most especially, the
disease had taken her away. But today, kissing.
her disease was not welcome. When I went to
She asked me to stay, so I could meet see her the next week,
him. We visited a little while longer and she filled me in on
then prayed. She said we must make the details. Smiling
sure things are just right, and looking happily, she reflected
at me with a frisky twinkle, added, “We on their special time
plan to do a lot of kissing.” together. I brought her
I walked beside her as she slowly a new can of hair spray
moved into the den. We checked every because she would

Lubbock Senior Link 53