That Moment When Everything Changes
By Sherry Little, Home Hospice of Grayson, Texoma & Denton LIVING WELL Magazines
Instantly, everything changes. Your doctor says, “There is nothing else we can do.” It is that moment when you recognize that cure is no longer possible. The final phase of life has begun.
Dr. Kathleen Rusnak, author of “Because You’ve Never Died Before” (www.thebrickwall2.com ), says many describe it as ‘hitting the brick wall.’ This brick wall experience separates the world of the living from the world of the dying. This is a time when comfort and care become the focus. Whenever life changes, anxiety, questions and fear are natural responses. Many find great value in seeking the guidance and support of experts, turning to those who know what to do, what to say, and how to help you and your family can make the journey easier.
Hospice professionals can help by allowing you to chart a course for ‘beyond the brick wall,’ providing an opportunity to fully engage in every moment of life that remains for you. While no one knows what this final journey feels like for you, there is relief and support in talking with caring staff who have significant experience and training in end-of-life issues. To help you make important decisions, they will want to know what your goals are at this time and how they can provide care that will bring both comfort and support; they will seek to understand your physical, emotional and spiritual needs; and they will explore how to best care for you and those you love during this significant time of life.
Highly skilled hospice professionals can help you understand that there is so much more that can be done, not about curing your disease, but about healing relationships, and experiencing comfort, care and support. It can open the possibility for experiencing pure joy and peace. Putting the important pieces in place––the services of a team of medical professionals and trained volunteers, needed medications and therapies, equipment and supplies––turns the unknown into something you can deal with, meeting the challenges and finding peace.
All of us may, at some point, hit our ‘brick wall.’ Let those who understand your circumstances best provide the compassion, care, expertise and guidance you need. Call us…we’ll be right there.
Author Sherry Little is the executive director at Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke & Fannin Counties. Visit their website at www.homehospice.org.
