Room 261 - Bed 4 (True Story)

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Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

0 posted 2001-03-22 10:56 PM

~Room 261, Bed 4~

A True Story
by Mysteria

I had a hard look into what could be my future today,
And the simple truth of what could possibly be in store,
As a dear friend of mine almost lost her name today,
And simply became just plain old Room 261, Bed 4!

I went as usual to visit my dear, sick friend,
And from that floor, they said she moved away.
I was really surprised to hear she was moving,
As I had missed seeing her for only just one day.

They told me she was now over geriatrics,
I would find her across the hospital parking lot,
So I simply gathered up my belongings,
And picked up the lovely plant I had bought.

When I got to the place she would now call home,
I could not breathe at what I saw in the hall.
There were mostly old folks milling about,
With such vacant looks, I almost started to bawl.

Now my friend certainly has the financial means,
To live out her live anywhere but there,
So I called her son, and he said she chose this place,
She felt safe at the hospital; she had too much fear.

She was just too afraid to leave the hospital,
For fear she would have a stroke again.
She wanted the best care, not the best ambience,
And cared more about the therapy for her pain.

It really broke my heart to see this place,
Especially since my outrage as I came in the door,
They never even knew her proper name,
To them she was just Room 261, Bed 4!

I corrected that nurse and reminded her
That was my friend she was talking about,
Her name was Maggie D; I’d known her 20 years,
That was her name ~ of that I had no doubt!

Well, I didn’t want Maggie to see I was upset,
I smiled, even though my heart did ache.
So I began to spruce things up a bit,
Re-arranging, and trying to re-decorate.

I then ran home again and got some things,
A floral wreath, some pictures, and a mirror,
A pretty quilt, A spare portable television,
And a big teddy bear I knew she would hold dear.

Soon that Room 261, Bed 4 really was quite unique,
The love I felt for her was really very plain.
On the way out, I asked that they only call her Maggie,
And never refer to her as Room 261, Bed 4 again!

Well it looks like this will be her home now,
And I guess I will have to just do my part,
To make sure that not only today, but every day,
She knows how much I love her with all my heart.

This is about a dear friend, who had a stroke on Christmas Eve last year, and is now confined to a home for extended care. She was like a Mother to me and has a name, it is Maggie!

~*~A poet is someone who reads more than they write ~*~

[This message has been edited by Mysteria (edited 03-23-2001).]

Katherine Chandler
Member

since 2001-03-07

Posts 280
Florida, USA

1 posted 2001-03-22 11:41 PM

Sharon, how touching this lovely poem is. I've never wanted to be a number, even when I worked, I disliked that title very much. I'm glad Maggie has someone like you in her life.

Kate

Blessings

Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood.
T S Eliot

Paula Finn
Member Ascendant

since 2000-06-17

Posts 5546
missouri

2 posted 2001-03-23 02:12 AM

I hate numbers and being reduced to one just really ticks me off...just because someone has grown old does not mean they have become a nonentity...good for you for making that clear

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

3 posted 2001-03-23 04:55 AM

Katherine: Thank you for acknowledging that we as human beings, no matter what our circumstances deserve respect, and thank you for reading this.

Paula: I made it LOUD and clear,

thanks for reading this.

inot2B
Member Elite

since 2000-09-18

Posts 2205
Arkansas

4 posted 2001-03-23 11:15 AM

Oh, I'm so glad she has a friend like you. Everytime I hear someone say, "I just can't go see so and so, the place their in is so depressing," I want to scream my head off.

Mother_Earth
Senior Member

since 2000-11-20

Posts 1370
1/2 year Texas & 1/2 year Michigan

5 posted 2001-03-23 08:09 PM

Mysteria, I am so very proud of you! I am a follower and not a very brave do-er. Don't be surprised if one day you go and have to start all over again! Your Maggie has a wonderful "daughter" in you. Hugs for you both, ME

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

6 posted 2001-03-23 08:43 PM

Mysteria..I know how hard it is to see someone you love moved into something that doesn't seem to fit...it seems you have helped alot with that...You are a wonderful friend to her...and she must be a lovely lady.

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

7 posted 2001-03-23 09:44 PM

inot2b: They are depressing! It is a fact, so it is up to thier friends and family to make it more pleasant, and that is where I come in...that is what I do every single day, try to stop in a get a smile from not only her but many. It would not kill the schools to get the senior kids to visit and read, etc. and I have written to our school district to complain about just that! Thanks for being a fellow "squeeky wheel"!.

Martie

yes it is a horrible adjustment), and she has also to learn to use her right hand as she was left-handed so it is horrible for her. It is like having two Granddaughters at the moment, only one is in her 70's and one is 3, but I love them both, so we will manage well with a little help from a pretty good reliable friend I can always count on, when I need someone to hold me up! Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Mother Earth: Thank you and I have already found if you don't keep it up they do convenietly have a very "short memory", and I do thank you for the reminder. I love her too much to see her not be taken care of, and am there every day, so I am their worst nightmare...I swear I can hear them all sigh when I get off that elevator

kaile

Member Ascendant

since 2000-02-06

Posts 5146
singapore

8 posted 2001-03-23 10:16 PM

i do not have anything consturctive to say but felt compelled to post a reply because i wanted to let you know that i have read and have enjoyed and am applauding your loyalty...

thanx

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

9 posted 2001-03-24 03:40 AM

Fatefinder: I am applauding your originalty and thank you

Janet Marie
Member Laureate

since 2000-01-22

Posts 18554

10 posted 2001-03-24 10:45 AM

youve done her a wonderful justice...
both poetically and as a true friend.
thanks for sharing your heartwarming story Mysteria

oh you speak to me in riddles
and you speak to me in rhymes
my body aches to breathe your breath
your words keep me alive
~Sarah McLachlan~

Moon Dust

Member Elite

since 1999-06-11

Posts 2177
Skelmersdale, UK

11 posted 2001-03-24 11:52 AM

Good on you, I hate being called a number, gives the idea that your not an indervidual. Anyway I liked the story.

Don't ever give in, if you do you've lost everything you've ever had and everything you hope to gain, but if you carry on your already winning.

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

12 posted 2001-03-24 12:10 PM

Janet Marie: Thank you - the trick is going to be to keep them on their toes...definitely looks like they tend to slack off without some "guidance"!

Moondust: I don't even like talking to a phone - you know where the phone asks all the quetions - so this picked me big time! Thanks for reading this.

~*~A poet is someone who reads more than they write ~*~

Watersign6
Senior Member

since 2001-05-25

Posts 823
Hurricane,WV

13 posted 2001-06-05 09:27 AM

this is so beautiful and caring and a bit sad
at the same time but you sure know how to spruce up a place an comfort her well

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~*Room 261, Bed 4*~

~Room 261, Bed 4~