When Death Will Not Come

Let me introduce you to Edith (not her real name) as I found her on the day we first met. She is a frail woman weighting less than 90 lbs. She has contractures of both her arms and legs and lies curled up in the "fetal position." Contractures mean...that the muscle tissues shortened and the muscles are in a fixed position and cannot be moved or stretched out.

Not being able to move her limbs interferes with giving her care. Edith will only say one word. She is calling for her sister. I introduce myself and explain that I am her new nurse. She calls me, "Alice." She has been incontinent. I clean her, dress her, transfer her to a wheelchair and transport her to the dining area.

Between bites of food, she continues to call for her sister. Her voice is hoarse and raspy. She has an excellent appetite. She seems to be very thirsty and I notice her lips are cracked.

On the way back to her room, I tell Edith the news stories of the day. I stop at the nurse's station to obtain items necessary for her treatment. I provide personal care for Edith and put her to bed.

I perform the treatment for her decubitus (bed sores). I position Edith on her side and place pillows between areas where her bones and skin would rub together. I give her a back rub and apply some Vaseline to her lips, wash my hands and turn out the lights. "Good night, Edith." "I'll see you tomorrow." She calls out, "Alice."

I provide care for Edith for three months. I wonder each day, how she continues to live. All of her major organs are damaged and starting to malfunction. She is still calling for Alice and I feel I cannot watch this woman suffer much longer.

Then one day, Alice shows up. Thank God; I am not crazy. She really exists. Edith recognized her immediately and smiled. She was finally quiet and listened attentively as Alice filled her in on the family news.

I served the sisters their dinners in Edith's room that evening. Alice filled me in on their lives, telling me why they had always been so close, and why she had not been able to visit sooner.

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