As it turned out I did not have to go very far to confront my fear of death. The opportunity was right in front of me. Monica and 3 other women had founded Markham/Stouffville Hospice and they were looking for volunteers, especially men. So I started my training with great trepidation and got my first client right away. After 3 clients 2 of whom passed away as clients of mine I was advised to take a sabbatical.I will tell the story of my last hospice client. His name is Roger. He was about 45 years old a good husband and father. Roger was diagnosed with a tumour in his sinuses and shortly after meeting him he was moved into the hospital and I visited him there. I remember the day it was decided that he needed to move from chronic care to palliative care. It was December 24th. Mostly I remember Roger's excitement at moving to a new space. He was excited to see the people and the decorations on that floor. He reminded me of something that I read in Graham Green's "Travels with my Aunt". When asked if she had one year to live what would she like to do the aunt says that she would buy a castle with 365 rooms so that she could experience a different room each day and hopefully die while moving to the next room.
What did I learn about death from these wonderful people? I learned about courage, love and humour and their role in acceptance of the inevitable. I saw the fear turn to excitement in their eyes as they contemplated the next phase of life. I learned that discussing death does not have to be depressing. It can be inspirational.
Thank you for sharing this Brian. Your wisdom and perspective are such a blessing. The time of day you posted was 7:47 which is infinity in my mind. 7+4+7=18 1+8 = 9 I love the number 9 and was told in Chinese numerology it means infinity. Your sharing Rogers and your story is for me putting a bit of both of your lives out there, forever. We have this infinite power and thanks for sharing yours. You are exactly where you are suppossed to be!
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