http://www.nursingeconomics.net/necfiles/specialissue/2012/GoodDeath.pdf
"
There is a
wonderfully touching article called Dignity in Death Imperative: Good Death,
written by Robin Dianna and Evans Matutina. There’s a saying that goes, you don’t
know what you’ve got until it’s gone. To be precise, you don’t know what you’ve
got until it’s about to be taken away from you. You also don’t know what it’s
like until you’ve gone through it yourself. This story is concise, less than a
page long, yet it’s enough to make one think about the values we need to
demonstrate with our actions and words as caregivers. No words or action will light
up a smile on H.D.’s parents faces when today is the day that their child is
going to be passing away from terminal cancer. There is nothing left than can
be done to save this child. In moments like this, our true characters, values,
and beliefs will show. Unlike the vast majority of the time, now, underneath
the veil of invulnerability we display, our compassion and empathy for others
will lead us. We don’t need to study powerpoints to know how to act. We won’t
need to dig back into our memory bank to remember what we should do or say. In moments
like this, our compassion will lead the way for families like that of H.D.
The
underlying take-away from this story, besides the values that will lead us in
this career, is the fact that costs should not be an obstacle to delivering the
top-notch quality of care. Experiencing moments right before and after death
remind us of the fragility, AND value of life. As painful as it is to be there
for patients in time of need, pain will motivate us to be compassionate towards
everyone, no matter what stage of cancer or disease someone may be in. We would
never put a price on the lives of people, so why do it in the hospital? "
I can't say this story doesn't resonate with me, especially as of recent past weeks. I haven't got time right now to write about the story and legacy of my beloved, many-names Golden Retriever who passed on several weeks ago. Had her for 10 heart-warming years. From summer of 2002 to Sunday, December 30th, 2012, approximately 5:30-6:30 PM
to be exact.
This summer, after my Junior 2 semester, I will write about her story and legacy. Love you Lucky and I miss you.
**Her Story has been written. Today is Monday, July 8th, 2013.
**Her Story has been written. Today is Monday, July 8th, 2013.
Until we meet again.
Love,
Michael
Just a few of my Favorite Pictures of my Bear:
