Henry David Thoreau wrote, "That man is richest whose pleasures are the cheapest."

It had been quite a while since she had been out of the house and, when asked what she would most like to do, our patient replied, "You know, I'd just like to go to breakfast with my daughters at IHOP one more time."  Approached through our Life is Precious Program, the manager at the nearest IHOP, after learning of this patient's story and request, embraced the opportunity and enthusiastically participated in the event.  On the chosen day our patient and her two daughters, accompanied by two Hospice at Home staff members for support, went out for breakfast.

It was difficult for her to choose from the many items on the menu; they all looked good.  Settling on pancakes the choice became what topping to choose.  She couldn't decide and so she ordered pancakes with blueberries on half the top and strawberries on the other half, both halves separated by whipped cream.  In the words of those present she "ate and ate and ate".  This was all the more remarkable as she has been eating very little for some time now.  Her daughters gave her their sausage and she ate that, too.  During their dining experience the manager came to their table, introduced herself, and announced to our patient that the restaurant was paying for her breakfast.  Even better!  She had a marvelous time as her wish was fulfilled.

As a life-limiting illness begins its progress one's perspective on life begins to change.  Oftentimes the simple things of life become real treasures and wonderful pleasures.

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. ~ Robert Brault