The nurse disliked going over to the old woman's
house, but they told her she required "Regular scheduling" ~
check her blood sugar, make sure she's eating,
and the hardest part ~ give her a bath.

The water temperature was never comfortable enough
to suit the old woman.  Every minute or two they'd fight each
other over the faucet handle fiddling it left or right ~
The girl, listening to her complain until it was finally
over with ~ her uniform soaked.

The case manager said Medicare wouldn't pay for another nurse
to help her, but the girl didn't think she had it in her
to brave the strong smell of ***** and feces much longer.
The thermostat set on 80 degrees, though outside it was 85.

Before she's given the chance to refill the plastic pill planner
the girl is told not to scold her ~ knowing ahead of time
the woman hadn't bothered to take the daily medications
that give the family a false sense of security.

"Can you tell me what day it is"? she asks the old woman,
muting the television decibels which are loud enough
to make her want to stick needles in her eyes.

Indignantly she's ignored. No matter ~ she knows how to
crush up the blood pressure pill, heart pill and clozapine
together, pouring them into an Ensure and realizing the irony in that.

"What's this you're making me drink? It tastes awful!" the old woman snaps. The soft reply, "Just a milkshake.  Please try to finish it."

"It's supposed to snow, you really should dress more warmly", the old woman says.

"I will, Mom. I will".

Written by Sara Fielder © March 2012