How important little things are at the end of life. A client bedridden for a long period of time at a young age, just wanting to see his garden. When we made arrangements to move him outdoors for only 10 minutes, it was such a moving experience.
Read story →
You were my first palliative patient. We discussed your symptoms and your pain but I failed to discuss what made you, you. On your last few days you had video games stacked next to your bed. I had no idea you were a gamer. By the time
Read story →
As a health care staff, we too need time to “stop” and “breath” and reflect about our thoughts re: Our patients and our own experience of death and dying. If we can’t reflect than what is the point of the experience.
Read story →
The first time I saw my husband’s scar the length of his chest, he told me it was from a biking accident. I had no reason to believe otherwise, so I didn’t ask many questions. About a month later, when I saw his medic alert necklace and asked
Read story →
Learning that peace has been with me all along. Knowing peace will stay with me and give me the strength in those hard moments. Remember peace.
Read story →
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
Read story →
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.
Read story →
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.
Read story →
“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.
Read story →
My first experience with death I was in grade 12. My mom called me when I was standing outside of school with my friends. She told me my family friend had past. I started crying. It seemed insane that someone could just leave like that forever. I
Read story →