January 5th, 2011 
judowolf Lack of time is the one common denominator all hospice patients must deal with. Death is coming, the exact time is unknown, and each minute becomes precious.
Time slows down but seems to pass quicker, as traditional time no longer interests them.
Visiting patient after patient I became accustom to this pace and perception. I would not leave a patient or family member until any problem or issue was resolved as any visit could be my last, which could cause me to be late for the next appointment. New patients would take offense when I arrived late as traditional time still held sway over their thinking.
I was making my first visit with a retired Army general, was ten minutes late and had a bad feeling he would not be pleased. He was sitting in his study, we shook hands, and his body language was screaming at me that I was late.
Sitting down his, first words were; you are late and being punctual is the sign of someone who takes their job seriously.
He looked at my wrists and seeing I did not wear a watch asked how I knew the time. Looking at my wrist, I said, this is your time.
A quizzical look spread across his face and he asked what that meant.
When I am visiting, you will have my undivided attention. My time does not work in seconds, hours, or minutes but on your needs and your families.
He sat stone-faced and when I finished a small smile creased the stone as he replied; no one ever spoke to me that way, I guess you were not late.
Posted in 
