I mourned the loss of my first patient, dreaded returning to the Hospice House the next week and walking past Bob's empty room. Could I hold myself together to offer healing music to the other patients? My first experience with losing a patient opened me to the reality of doing Hospice work. Ironically, working with Hospice patients brings me great joy even in the face of constant loss. Any ideas why? Please share below.
4 Comments
Don
7/22/2015 11:34:58 pm
This is a very intriguing question you pose: how something which ultimately represents such an extreme face of grief and emotional pain could also offer the feeling of great joy. In the same moment that you know the odds against defeating the cause/source of the pain are impossibly stacked against you, you can also recognize the very real relief and succor you bring - if only temporarily - to an otherwise impossible situation. The awareness of this great "good" becomes the source of real joy, a joy that shines through the grief.
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Carolyn Learch
7/23/2015 12:55:58 am
Could it be that your music allows the dying person joy & relaxation @ a time when pain & anxiety fills their final hours or days? That's what motives you to share your gift? For some it works even better than the morphine. Hospice staff gave my Mom a peaceful ending to her pain & suffering this past June. Keep giving your wonderful gift! Peace to you, Carolyn
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Laurel
7/23/2015 02:03:01 am
Seeing the grace and courage of individuals facing end of life, and their gratitude for moments of joy, companionship, and solace, is a gift to both the person who gives and the patient/family who receive. Looking forward to the book!
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Dave Nash
7/23/2015 03:48:20 am
For me in my hospice work, walking with someone as they move toward the time of their "crossing" over to a place where I am not able to go with them, made precious to me that person and the time I had with him/her, intimate sharing, loving and involvement with that person knowing that the time was approaching when it would be no more...reminding me that this is the possibility for me with my loved ones (family,friends, and friends-to-be) every day as we journey along together. A lived experience calling me to a daily gift and possibility for the days ahead.
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![]() Musical Morphine:
Award Finalist in the "Health: Alternative Medicine" category of the 2017 Best Book Awards |