She was 49 and a half…had been in a nursing home since her 41st year. Always saying she felt like she was in prison and waiting at the entrance of the nursing home for her kids to visit. The Doctor had told her parents that she was
Read story →Relationships
Nothing could prepare me …
I have worked in health care over 20 years. At the beginning of my career I actually worked in palliative care and had the honour of getting to know both my patients and families in such an intimate time of their lives. I have lost family members
Read story →I remember your laugh
I remember your laugh and radiating smile, the dark of your hair and the warmth of your hugs that always made me feel like everything was going to be OK. You fought long and hard Mom, the Drs. gave you 3 to 6 months when they diagnosed
Read story →Grandpa, I promise I’ll make a great nurse someday
My Grandfather passed away this year. During the last few years of his life, he lived in a Long Term Care facility. I visited him quite a lot, and each time before I left, he told me that I would make a great nurse. During his final
Read story →Your life and death inspires me
To my dearest grandma, It’s been several years since you’ve passed away, but I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately and how I carry your spirit with me as I move forward in my work with hospice palliative care. Your life and death inspires me every
Read story →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
Read story →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
Read story →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
Read story →I didn’t really know him
When my dad passed away, I felt numb, not because of pain but because my dad had been sick since I was young, and I didn’t really know him. I felt a great deal of guilt over the following years for feeling so detached and indifferent to
Read story →I felt so strong in your arms
I remember when we first met; it was the single most thrilling day of my life. Those beautiful blue eyes that made me forget all the pain that seemed to never go away. I felt strong in your arms, like Spiderman. You made me who I am
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