The Text Message I Didn't Want to Receive
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
United States
May 30, 2017 10:45am CST
I got a message from the scheduler today asking me to call her when I finished with my first client. So, me being the one that has to answer back with a question did so. She said one of my client's had passed.
Told my client I had to step outside for a minute to talk to the scheduler. I would rather know right away than to worry and fret for 45 minutes.
I can say that I wasn't surprised to hear of this wonderful lady's passing. She had cancelled last week's visit because she was not feeling well. A few days later I ran into her daughter and she said it was her heart and she refused to go to the hospital. Once again I got that feeling in the pit of my stomach telling me that I wouldn't see her again.
This job is really proving to be difficult for me lately. I cried when I heard of this lady's passing. She was such a joy to visit with. Because my second client is in the hospital, I have the rest of the day to myself. I decided to go visit my Mom.
Mom was happy to see me. It makes my day when I see her smile. Wish I could quit my job and be with her more. I truly don't know how much longer I can do this work.
Hug your loved ones, call them, tell them you love them. Visit those who you love.
14 people like this
14 responses
@rusty2rusty (6763)
• Defiance, Ohio
30 May 17
I am sorry to hear your client has passed away. it always hurts no matter how long you know someone. Know she will always have a special place in your heart.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
30 May 17
I lost a client just a few days ago as well. She had been ill for quite a while and went on hospice a short time ago. She passed quickly. What a joy she was.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
31 May 17
@rusty2rusty my daughter just asked me if I knew who from her graduating class just passed. I hadn't heard of anyone passing, but sometimes they keep it quiet.
1 person likes this
@rusty2rusty (6763)
• Defiance, Ohio
31 May 17
@ElusiveButterfly Oh that is sad. One sister seems to know when anyone passed and blasts it on Facebook.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
31 May 17
This is the second client in 2 weeks that I have lost. My heart is heavy.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
31 May 17
@dodo19 some more than others have a way of attaching to your heart.
1 person likes this
@dodo19 (47336)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
31 May 17
@ElusiveButterfly I can imagine. You must get somewhat attached to them, overtime.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (47676)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
31 May 17
At first, I thought it would be about the other lady you told us about. Sending hugs. 
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
31 May 17
I held my breath when I made the call to the office. I too was concerned that it was her as well. Sadly, it is just a matter of time before I get that call too.
@BarBaraPrz (47676)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
31 May 17
@ElusiveButterfly Sigh...
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
30 May 17
I'm so sorry you had to get such sad news. =( I wouldn't be able to do your job because I'm the kind of person that gets attached to people easily and I am very emotional. It wouldn't work for me.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
30 May 17
I am one that believes that it is important to connect with people, sit and talk with them, get to know them. Yes, I do the tasks that need to be done, but once that is done, we chat. I have only been with this woman for about a year. In that time I got close to her. She said she always looked forward to my visits.
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
31 May 17
@ElusiveButterfly I would be the same way, I would want to talk with them and make them happy-even if only for a short time. But, by doing that I am getting closer to them and attached-which is heart breaking. =(
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
31 May 17
@LovingMyBabies many say that they feel like a number rather than a person when someone comes in cleans and leaves without saying a word.
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
31 May 17
Seeing that smile on my Mom's face was a joy. It made my day better.
1 person likes this
@just4him (317238)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
31 May 17
@ElusiveButterfly I'm sure it did.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67080)
• United States
30 May 17
I am sorry to hear this. Must be very difficult.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
30 May 17
It is the hardest part of my job.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67080)
• United States
30 May 17
@ElusiveButterfly i bet. Im sorry again
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
31 May 17
My dad's memory is slipping severely, and he casually tells me things like "Oh, I was in the hospital for pain last week for overnight." I dread it. I am not visiting as often lately as I would like. It is so hard. Hugs to you for being a caring and compassionate friend and worker.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
31 May 17
I needed to visit my Mom yesterday. After hearing of my client's passing, I needed to have her near me. I wish I could quit my job and visit with her every day.
Thanks for the hugs and kind words Heather. Big hugs right back to you.
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
30 May 17
Yes, I am a personal care attendant. Have done this work for 10 years now. Although I enjoy the work, I feel as if I am slowly burning out.
1 person likes this
@shaggin (72262)
• United States
5 Jun 17
@ElusiveButterfly I can understand how that could happen it is a tough job.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (182204)
• United States
30 May 17
Yes, you never really know do you?
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
30 May 17
I'm sorry, she must have been a very special person to have caused you such sorrow. She's in a better place.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
31 May 17
She was a delightful lady. Often times I would get the buy get one special and bring it back with me after I did her shopping and we would have lunch together. She loved that.
1 person likes this
@prashu228 (37521)
• India
30 May 17
Hmm sorry for the lady.
Hope you get a better job.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
31 May 17
I have a great job. It is difficult to lose a client and it is wearing me down.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
30 May 17
Even if it is a short visit, they appreciate seeing you and love the company.
@Marilynda1225 (83103)
• United States
30 May 17
Sad news that your client passed away. We never know from moment to moment what can happen so you are so right when you say hug loved ones and make sure they know how much you love them. Sending you hugs today
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
30 May 17
Thank you Marilyn. Not easy to lose someone you are close to. I know it will be harder on her family. They were so close.
@SephyWang (4)
• Chengdu, China
31 May 17
Dear,Sorry to see this news! Cherish life, your client and her family will thank you for your care and company, believe that you can hearten soon.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
31 May 17
Thank you. I know that she did enjoy our time together. She thanked me after each visit for being with her.
