Category Archives: hospice story

Roy-boy

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Amy Getter

Seventeen years ago today, myself, my youngest sister, only brother, and our spouses buried my mother.  Two days ago, I revisited the moments of my mother’s death as my brother lay dying.  Seven years prior he had survived a cardiac … Continue reading →

Posted in dying at home, hospice story | 4 Comments

THE BIG THINGS AND LITTLE THINGS

Posted on September 21, 2017 by Amy Getter

The other day, through a series of frightening one-lane roads with lorries taking up the entirety of them, I found myself in the pastural beauty of Beatrix Potter land— in the Lake District of North West England. Amid young calves running … Continue reading →

Posted in hospice story | 1 Comment

THE LAST DOSE

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Amy Getter

It’s been nearly 30 years since the evening as a fairly new nurse I had been assigned to the oncology floor. I still remember my patient (a young woman in her mid thirties with advanced ovarian cancer) the mother of … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life care, family of the dying, hospice, hospice story | 3 Comments

WHAT AN OVERCOMER LOOKS LIKE

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Amy Getter

Ettie never told me that “My mission in life is not merely to survive; but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.”  (Maya Angelou).  But she had lived this… She thrived. … Continue reading →

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EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Amy Getter

The phrase, “as simple as the air we breathe”, runs through my mind when I see Dennis, with his ribs and lungs moving with great effort, each labored breath a testimony to his will to survive. Makes we wonder, how … Continue reading →

Posted in death bed vigil, hospice story | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

DANCE TO THE BEAT OF YOUR DRUM

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Amy Getter

Some people’s lives are noted for their activism, their ability to inspire all of us.  Not everyone hears the drum in their soul.  And not everyone is recognized in their life as overcoming or possessing a fighting a spirit that can’t be kept down.  … Continue reading →

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A FAIRY TALE?

Posted on April 23, 2014 by Amy Getter

Once upon a time there was a man who lived with his two daughters in a lonely clearing in the woods.  They had moved in and cared for many of the things that their mother had always done, after she died and … Continue reading →

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GIFTS OF LOVE

Posted on April 6, 2014 by Amy Getter

Before setting out on my lengthy road trip to an outlying area of the county, I had received the warning that the spouse was a“curmudgeon”.  He had been overly harsh and grumpy with the staff that only yesterday had him signing forms … Continue reading →

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BEARING BURDENS

Posted on March 9, 2014 by Amy Getter

The question is asked in various forms, and goes something like this: “How long do you think she has, then?”  I know the question is coming, and I also know I am limited in my ability to answer with accuracy.  We often … Continue reading →

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THE TRAIN WHISTLE

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Amy Getter

Lying awake and listening to the train whistle in the early morning hours makes me want to get ready for a trip.  It also reminds me of the messages people share as their lives ebb and they prepare for their final journey. … Continue reading →

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