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

All Stories

All Stories

They had raised me

They had raised me

My grandparents died within 2 weeks of each other, very suddenly. My grandfather was diagnosed with cancer, my grandmother died of a broken heart. I have always regretted that I wasn’t (couldn’t??) present with them in those last few days before they died. They had raised me

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I will always be thankful

I will always be thankful

I am grateful to be able to see and talk to my grandfather before he passed away. I was the last member of the family who was actually there with him when he took his last breath. Growing up, I had spent a lot of weekends with

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You left with dignity

You left with dignity

Although as my adoptive mom/stepmother, I was never really sure where we stood in terms of our relationship and never really felt close, your passing brought the family together in a bonding moment. And you seemed to not want to put any of us through your departure

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We always knew we loved each other

We always knew we loved each other

When my Dad was diagnosed with incurable cancer a co-worker advised me to take the time to say to my Dad, everything I wanted to say. Among the things I said were that he was the greatest man I have ever known, and that I loved him.

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Losing someone you really love

Losing someone you really love

Losing someone you really love brings a whole new meaning to the word “forever”

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You shed a tear

You shed a tear

I told you it was ok to go- be with your wife, release yourself from the pain and suffering. I sat in silence, you shed a tear and then were gone. I thought you felt sadness to go. I know feel it was a tear of happiness

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Stop and smell the flowers

Stop and smell the flowers

I lost my ex-boyfriend last year. He was in my life for 20 years. 13 in romance, 7 in friendship. I regret many things about not being there for him. One thing I learned is that life in precious. Stop and smell the flowers. Be kind to

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Sometimes they are just as needed and helpful

Sometimes they are just as needed and helpful

PSWs can play a vital role in end of life care for clients. This isn’t black and white, each client, family and PSW can contribute to the specialized individual needs. We need to train and give PSWs the opportunity to be a part of EOL care more

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How will I be remembered

How will I be remembered

When I think of death, my own death specifically I think of life, my life…How will I be remembered or thought of…what will my legacy be? It causes me some anxiety when I pause and reflect. Life, death so entertwined I want to be thoughtful in my

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I knew I would not be coming back

I knew I would not be coming back

My PSW beginning I worked with a lady in private home care. She is the reason why I became a nurse. I cared for her for three years a became a part of the family. I worked with her everyday. She was non-verbal but I was able

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