A little old lady died on our unit last night. Just shy of her 57th wedding anniversary.
A multitude of thoughts went through my head as I went into her room to do post mortem care. I volunteered to do this because I think its important to have everything look peaceful and calm for family members that want to see their loved one before the funeral home takes them away.
Her daughter was in the room, kissing her mothers face and crying. I cried with her. How does a heart continue to beat when its so broken?
However this little lady, who was so sweet and kind and soft spoken, died with dignity. Her family did not push tubes down her throat, they did not prolong her agony, they made sure she was comfortable and not scared. Before her body gave up, she told her family that she was ready to go. Her face, in death, was pain free.
2 comments:
K you totally just made me bawl!!! I dont know how you do it
Truthfully, I dont know how I do it either. Every time it happens, I think that Ill be fine, that I wont let it affect me. I try to be indifferent and practical inside...but it never sticks. At least she went to heaven flying high on morphine. We could do that much for her.
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