These words have been on my heart these last few days. My patient had rapid progression of her cancer and ended up in the hospital. Once we realized the extent of her disease our focus changed from cure to comfort. At 18 years of age she was making decisions about DNR orders, what she would like done if certain situations arose, did she want blood if she needed it? Did she want palliative radiation to alleviate some of her pain? She desperately wanted to get home and that was our goal but we kept running into barriers that prevented this. But finally, after 2-1/2 weeks in the hospital we got her home. Although she needed a hospital bed, oxygen, a suction machine, and IV morphine she was home and in her own bedroom! I was blessed with the opportunity to visit her at home yesterday, she died peacefully last night. Her room definitely expressed her personality and was warm and welcoming. When she got home Friday evening she asked her mom to bring out pictures of her growing up, they were all over her room. She had a big poster that was signed by her friends, sunglasses, stuffed monkeys and green paint on her walls, her favorite color. Her family was so thankful they were able to bring her home.
When my mom was dying of cancer she also wanted to be at home. She hated hospitals and absolutely did not want to be there. So we made sure that she got her wish. Having a family member die at home is an extremely difficult yet beautiful experience. Sitting at a loved one’s side, holding their hand as they move from this life to our ultimate home, heaven, is a rare gift from God.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them [as their God]. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.’ The one who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ Then he said, ‘Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true.’ He said to me, ‘They are accomplished. I [am] the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son.’” (Revelation 21:1-6)
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