I have been with a patient for about three years who has Alzheimer’s disease. His wife has arranged a cruise for them that will be departing from this Island in three weeks. But because the health of my patient is declining, his wife is worried that she will have to cancel the cruise and the good times they have shared will come to an end. She wishes she could have done more with her husband before his time comes.

I have never lost a patient since working in the medical field. But, I believe that time is coming. To tell you the truth, I don’t know how I will react. I have grown pretty close to my patient and his family. I’ve worked with him through his ups and his downs. Lately, he is having a hard time staying on his feet. He has lost his focus. I can see that his life is ebbing away. Though I knew that one day he would leave us, I can’t say that I’m ready.

Watching this family over the years, I have seen the love that my patient’s wife has for him and that he tried so hard to show to her. I just can’t believe that love will end in lost memories. The first patient that I will lose will be one that never knew me. But he will sail on in my memories.