Tag Archives: acceptance

TEARS IN HEAVEN

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Amy Getter

I heard many stories later in the evening, while we were sharing remembrances of her, stories of the two of them while they lingered together, of her beloved Henry as he sat smoking his pipe in the far corner of … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid in dying, end of life care | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

IN THE MOMENT

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Amy Getter

“I’ve taken care of things all my life, and I’m doing the end planning, too, because that way it will be done to my satisfaction,” says my 91 year old patient.  She’s completed financial affairs, even has her funeral expenses … Continue reading →

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IT COULD BE THE LAST THING YOU EVER SAY

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Amy Getter

I have been touched many times by someone’s last words.  And sometimes, I am deeply saddened.  At my final visit with my doctor-patient, his only tenuous words to me were the question, “What is my PT/INR?”,  as he lay in … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer, end of life care, goodbye | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

GRADUATION DAY

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Amy Getter

Difficult to escape from my day job, I find myself honing in on statements while I am entertaining myself in the evening.  Such as from the movie Beginners, when the son says, “You’re not getting better, there is no stage … Continue reading →

Posted in hope, loss | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

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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NO WHINING

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Amy Getter

I’ve transformed into a whiner recently. In a wash of self pity, I rubbed the side of my head, hard-hit as I had reached for my cane which had fallen beneath the kitchen table. I was obediently performing my hated … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life care, hospice story, loss | Tagged , | 3 Comments

THE SOUND OF AN EMPTY HOUSE

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Amy Getter

Someone mentioned today, how difficult it is to be left behind when the person you loved and cared for is gone- “the sound of an empty house”.  I thought back to a time when I was a newly single mom, … Continue reading →

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