Forever changed

from JoeUser Forums

The more I think about it, the more I think and feel that this experience with hospice care will leave me forever changed.

I think that I am going to be left humbled by this experience.  Caring for and getting attached to someone you know isn't going to be around very long isn't something that most people want to do.  It's un-natural; there's no benefit in it for your average human.  Not for me, though.  I think that there's a hell of a lot to be learned from someone who is dying. 

I think that this experience is going to teach me how to live.

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Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
The more I think about it, the more I think and feel that this experience with hospice care will leave me forever changed.


I am positive it will. My experiences working with people in hospice situations have been life altering. I look forward to hearing how it enriches your life.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top

Like Bluedev, I think it will.  It does all of us.  I remember my brief stint with it (about 20 years ago).  It smacked me with realities that I had never thought of.  And made me face some of my own, albeit not harsh, prejudices.  And made me a committed anti-euthanasia person (where before I was it was for their own good).

My experience was with people little more than vegetables.  Or so I mistakenly assumed.  But I found a recognition and warmth that makes me firmly beleive that where there is life, there is hope and feeling.  I know that is not universal.  Intellectually, I understand it.  Emotionally, I cannot accept that now.

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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
I third the opinion that Bluedev and Dr Guy stated. My experience with it (children with cancer) taught me to live every day as much as you can. And most of all....be happy with who you are RIGHT NOW. you may not have a chance to change it later. A very zen realization that came from watching kids be kids even when they knew they didn't have much time.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
While I agree with everyone else here I feel it behoves me to mention that this can {caring for those dieing} have a strong negative impact..

I only mention this to prepare you for what could be harmful feelings.
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top

I look forward to hearing how it enriches your life.

I'll be sure and tell you how what I do and see makes me feel.  Already, it's making me think...I went to see my patient this afternoon.  I wasn't there very long, but it was long enough to have an effect on me.  I'm full of thoughts this evening, some of them good, some not so good...some are making me smile, some are bringing me close to tears.  But, I'm aware of them, and I'm working through them, so it's all good.

I think it will. It does all of us. I remember my brief stint with it (about 20 years ago). It smacked me with realities that I had never thought of.

That's EXACTLY how I'd describe some of the thoughts I've been having this afternoon. 

And most of all....be happy with who you are RIGHT NOW. you may not have a chance to change it later.

Again, exactly.

 

Posted: Saturday, April 01, 2006
While I agree with everyone else here I feel it behoves me to mention that this can {caring for those dieing} have a strong negative impact..

I only mention this to prepare you for what could be harmful feelings.

Thanks, MM.  I'm aware of what feelings may come, and whilst I cannot say that I'm totally prepared for them, I do have outlets for them and people I can talk to about them.  The hospice makes bereavement counsellors available for ALL it's employees, paid or otherwise.  There's always a social worker on call, so I will always have someone to talk to.

Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
I do understand how you feel. I work at place that assists elder deaf and/or blind people. Quite a few died since I started working there.