“She needs to hit rock bottom.”

Easy for you to say

about a place which might actually be

below ground,

where body outpaces spirit.

She needs me to be present;

if not in body, then

in spirit.

Make no mistake, “tough love” is protective

of the lover, not the loved.

You can advise, judge, pontificate

all you want.

Poet’s Statement

I worked over the years with many patients with complex and persistent illnesses. I continue to collaborate with staff who champion such work. I have always been mindful that one must be cautious about judgment of families and patients in such situations as to their decisions. Particularly if you have not been in their shoes…