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

All Stories

All Stories

If I had known then, what I know now

If I had known then, what I know now

The difference in how my father was looked after when dying 25 years ago and the care of my mother last year in hospice. Now it is known as Palliative Care. I thank you — all who have been instrumental in moving us forward in this model

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It’s hard watching people die for a living

It’s hard watching people die for a living

The moment it occurred to me that it’s hard watching people die for a living, but a beautiful thing watching them live right until they die.

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I felt so privileged

I felt so privileged

Caring for a coworker as she was dying. I felt so privileged that someone whom I had worked along side for many years would trust me enough to allow me to be a part of her final journey. Thank you Carol.

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I honour you and hold you in the light

I honour you and hold you in the light

Sherry, Cody, Justin, French, Ashley… So young to be taken from this earth with endocarditis, an infectious complication of your suffering from addiction to prescription opioids. Today I honour you and hold you in the light. Thank you for sharing with me, teaching me, trusting me. I

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Is this it?

Is this it?

He looked at me and asked “Is this it?” I looked at him, my eyes dewy with compassion and took his hand saying “It very well could be.” He squeezed my hand, struggling to breath he said “I just want you to know it have been my

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I didn’t fully understand

I didn’t fully understand

Being present/but not present at the same time when my dad was actively dying. I didn’t fully understand as a daughter or a new nurse. Year later, palliative care is my focus so I can hopefully help others understand what is happening and feel supported.

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I’m still worth something

I’m still worth something

Sharing. “Remembering my past makes me realize how much I have done and that I’m not only sick and dying.” I’m still worth something after these words she left us… for a better place.

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A lovely note arrived from his widow

A lovely note arrived from his widow

In June 2013 my mother passed away, I was homeless for 8 days as a result of a devastating flood and I provided medical care to a 36-year old physician colleague. He was weeks from completing his surgical residency training and starting a long-awaited Fellowship in the

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Be kind to yourself

Be kind to yourself

“Fare thee well… why should I weep? To see thee thus so soundly sleep…” TO know that there is no right way to grieve. That grief, the pain of grief, stays with you forever…it may adjust and you can live again…but you are forever transformed by it.

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He fulfilled his wish and passed away at home

He fulfilled his wish and passed away at home

My grandfather. He was a silent, kind, loving man. He looked after all children & grand-children with a very humble, quiet demeanor. I’m glad that he fulfilled his wish of passing away at home. I’m sorry I missed saying goodbye by one hour. He has left a

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