There was no nurse in the house. They only came in the last week. We were the closest. We dealt with everything. We helped the Holy Father to wash, to dress. We helped to go to bed, helped him eat when swallowing was a problem and caused pain. Then we cut everything into small pieces or mixed. And we fed when it was necessary.
– Did it make him nervous? Didn’t it embarrass him?
– I think he got used to it. After all, he was sick so many times, so many times he was in the hospital. He was used to it and certainly grateful. I don’t think it was embarrassing for him. He knew that he could count on us in any situation. We were like a family. Anyway, he always tried to overcome weakness, so others would have as little work as possible. On Wednesday, February 23rd, John Paul II speaks during the general audience. He sits in his library and the faithful in the Paul VI Hall and at St. Peter’s Square they see him on television. The speech is broadcasted by television. The Pope’s voice is ragged, but every word can be heard clearly. He greets the Poles, thanking everyone for their presence, urges them to open their hearts to sincere and profound conversion. In the evening, a sudden collapse – he got cramps. Medication is not helping. Cardinal Jaworski administers to the Holy Father the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.
– Difficult night?
– Very. The shortness of breath was very affecting the Holy Father. But, he was calm. He was much calmer than we were. We were afraid that this could be the end. He slept a little, but not much. In the morning he felt like a little better, even celebrated mass, but around noon he again a breathlessness attack. The decision was made that we are going to the clinic.
With the permission of Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki –“He liked Tuesdays the most”
M Publishing House, Krakow 2008
