Today, I had a patient who was what we call "transitioning" which means that he has started the journey toward death but isn't actively dying. His sweet wife of 50 years is struggling. She wants so badly to savor every minute yet worries herself over every little change. Most of my day with them was spent explaining what we were seeing and what it meant. It's one of those conversations that I feel I can help alleviate some anxiety with but is also really difficult. Today, I was telling a wife she was losing her partner in crime from the last 50 years, the majority of her life. I was telling a daughter she was losing her daddy. Nieces and nephews, their favorite uncle. He was a loved man who even in suffering is kind and gentle and patient. This man's wife waits by his side, forever dedicated, and living to the "'til death do us part" vow is met. She is so alone for most of the day, sitting and watching, worried about everything that's different. Thankfully, we have a group of wonderfully sweet medical students this week, and one took the time to be present with this patient's wife this afternoon. I am so thankful for the dedication of the medical student. Her heart is so full, and that's just what the family needs. It truly is a blessing to know that the right people are in the right place at the right time.
No comments:
Post a Comment