Thought Wheel

Ann Chiappetta

So Sad, But Life Goes On

| Filed under writing

I found out yesterday that one of my ex Medicaid clients died. He was 48 years old. I had gotten him out of a nursing home and back into an apartment.He was so happy to get out of the place. He had strokes and diabetes and was a heavy smoker and knew the risks but didn’t make the changes to help himself. His name is Jose Rodriguez and he was a very nice man. I wrote an article about him in the agency newsletter last year, too. Verona liked him, too, always finding him when we looked for him in the nursing home when we visited. He died of a brain aneurysm from a blood clot which originated in his lungs. He hung on for a few days, then slipped away. I wish I could’ve gone to the wake. I found out via email from the man who took over for me when I left the agency to work for the V.A. What a crappy way to find out. Not even a phone call — freakin’ email. I guess I didn’t even rate to be called. Pisses me off.

Well, Jose, I’ll miss you and I’m sad you only got to enjoy your freedom for eight months after being forced to stay in that horrible nursing home for over two years, with no one to help you . I’m glad I helped you and wish you didn’t die. It was great knowing you, my friend. I’ll see you again someday at the end of the path.

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