Creating space to pause, reflect and share experiences with dying and death

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I have learned so much

I have learned so much

My friends in long term care, it has indeed been an honour and a privilege to be with you on this final journey on earth. I miss you all for your uniqueness, your story, and I have learned much from you as you shared your life here

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I did tell you I loved you

I did tell you I loved you

Mom, I never got to say good-bye, safe journey before you died… but I did tell you I loved you! I left & came here to the conference. I never expected you to die that weekend. I should have “known” but you & God had other plans.

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Still my heart aches

Still my heart aches

Dearest “Lambbone”: It’s been 10+ years since your untimely death & still my heart aches. Your journey as a clown doctor in palliative care gave me the strength to do this work. You passed on a gift to your big sis! I thank you for opening this

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All my work I do in your honor

All my work I do in your honor

Grandpa, I wish you could see me now! All I have accomplished and how happy I am! I know you are with me when the birds come to the feeder. I wish so many days I could hear you say how proud you are of me. All

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To have a positive impact on others

To have a positive impact on others

My mother died suddenly in 2001. I was only 22 at the time. She never got to see me get married, have children, graduate university, start a career. It, her death, has certainly impacted my life’s path. Wanting to embrace the time we have with no regrets.

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We all sat with you

We all sat with you

Dylan, You would think it’s really cheesy that I’m writing this, but here I go. When we all sat with you in the hospital and then the palliative unit, our concern was only that you weren’t in pain and that you weren’t frightened. We never questioned whether

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I just wish I knew

I just wish I knew

I just wish I knew then that I know now when my grandmother was dying 20 years ago.

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It’s not the telling

It’s not the telling

More and more I wish that practitioners would give patients and families the gift of time by having the discussion with them that they are dying. This breaks my heart each time families “just found out” their loved on was dying, and it is an emotional turmoil

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I’m not ready for this

I’m not ready for this

Individual to caregiver – (2 days before death) “We have had some nice times together” Caregiver – “I’m not ready for this.” Individual – “It will be sad and then you will be fine.” Caregiver – “I don’t want you to go” Individual – “I won’t be

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I was not given any time to grieve

I was not given any time to grieve

My mom passed away over 20 years ago, I was only 15. And 3 months later I had to leave my country to migrate to Canada, therefore separating me from my siblings. I felt that I was not given any time to grieve, but also forced to

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