The final chapter in our book covers “the last life-cycle
force we encounter”; death and bereavement. These are not easy topics for me to
talk about. I feel like I have already encountered quite a bit in my life so
far and I can relate quite a bit to the dual process model (DPM) of coping. It
has been many many years since my own dad passed away and even though at most
times I feel that I have “moved on” with my own life, certain events still can
trigger the grief. Now, the grief is often short-lived and I can continue on
but I do think the cycle still exists.
I realize
now that I was very naive in my understanding of what a hospice was before
reading this chapter. I had never given it much thought really, but from the
little reference I had, I assumed it was synonymous to a nursing home. Maybe
what made it different was that the really oldest old went there but I had
never thought about why. I have a lot of respect for hospice workers now that I
am more informed. I think the services that they provide to both their patients
and their patients’ support system (aka family and friends) is just amazing. What
better ways to respect, honor, and support our elderly than by assisting them
to comfortably live out their final days. I only wish this option was available
to more people. I agree that pain management is vital to those suffering from
terminal illnesses, but it seems that even for those who have their end in
sight, some doctors are still reluctant to refer such a service. It seems to
provide such relief to everyone involved to have guidance through such a
difficult time in life. It seems that for those who meet the criteria, hospice
is a way to achieve what they call in Ghana a “peaceful” or “good” death.
I think that everyone deserves an opportunity to die in peace, with no
unfinished business, in comfort and the in the presence of their loved ones and
I am thankful that facilities such as hospice exist to promote this.
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