Death is no respecter of persons. It is simply an inevitable moment that we are all marching toward, whether we acknowledge it along the way or not. I think about that moment often. I’m not sure if that’s a function of getting a little older, or solely due to my career path; it’s probably both. Over the last five years, I have seen the dying process in hundreds of its myriad manifestations, some more admirable than others. Each and every one has etched its story into my own.
I’m asked frequently whether my job is depressing, or if I have difficulty not bringing my work home. With few exceptions, I can honestly answer an unequivocal, “No”. In fact, I don’t find caring for dying patients depressing at all. There have been more sad moments than I can count, but that number is dwarfed by the moments that I count as joy. I have learned a lot from dying patients and their families, and hopefully I have honored some of those pearls by applying them to my own life. Continue reading
