Author Archives: Amy Getter

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About Amy Getter

MS, RN, CHPN

MIRROR MIRROR

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Amy Getter

My last visit with Ida and she grouches a little at Gerry while she tells me she definitely has good days and bad days. “Today is bad.”  This is rare: to hear a cross word exchanged.  Gerry has helped with all the daily chores; … Continue reading →

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COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Amy Getter

“He’s not usually like this.  He usually is totally in control and has a lot to say.”  Jeff, hearing this comment, opens his eyes briefly to glare at his sister, but with good humor.  He tries to start and finish some thoughts but is … Continue reading →

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GLORIOUS FREEDOM

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Amy Getter

As another New Year approaches, I thought about a patient from last year on New Year’s Day, who had finally stopped drinking-many years too late-but still finding some resolution in his last few months of life. Bondage in the dictionary is defined … Continue reading →

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SPACESHIPS

Posted on December 8, 2012 by Amy Getter

 Hal is one of the most positive people I have met.  I mention this as he is signing up for hospice and knowing that life is slipping through his fingers.  He tells me that he did NOT learn this from his mother.   She … Continue reading →

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A MAGIC PILL

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Amy Getter

As the “national hospice month” comes to a close, I am cognizant of articles in newspapers, blogs, TV series and other notable media that have highlighted palliative care, hospice services, having the difficult conversations, etc., etc.  I am always pleased to see a little … Continue reading →

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“IF I SHOULD DIE BEFORE I WAKE”

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Amy Getter

“If I should die before I wake….” A child’s prayer my little sister and I sometimes spoke together at bedtime, not totally aware of what we were saying, I think, or we would have kept our eyes open and not slept a … Continue reading →

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LEAVING

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Amy Getter

Have you perhaps heard or even said the comment following the death of an elderly person, “They had a good, long life”?  Of course, the reverse of that is the death of a young person, and we feel as though death robbed … Continue reading →

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C IS FOR COURAGE

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Amy Getter

The only difference between me and my patient who is coming to the close of his life, is: I don’t “know” that I’m dying soon, but I, like the rest of humanity, will experience death, too.  I hope to be courageous at the … Continue reading →

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CENTENNIAL WISDOM

Posted on October 10, 2012 by Amy Getter

A woman who is one hundred years old is oh, so slowly dying; we all sit at the bedside and feel as though we are holding our breath.  She is still breathing.  Her family and I are wondering how a person can stay alive … Continue reading →

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TAKEN BY SURPRISE

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Amy Getter

“Dying is a lot like birthing, even though you expect it; you are still taken by surprise.” I returned from a brief vacation, and as is the case with hospice nurses everywhere I suspect, I looked at my work emails very late … Continue reading →

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