Tag Archives: love

AN ODE TO MY MOTHER

Posted on April 30, 2016 by Amy Getter

Some of my family still mention, when reminiscing about my mother, that she was “out of touch” with reality.  My mom had a mental breakdown in her early thirties, (during the 50’s when a lot of women lived in a … Continue reading →

Posted in daughter, end of life care, family of the dying, wisdom | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

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

LISTEN. LOVE. BE.

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Amy Getter

A question is asked, “What are the qualities or characteristics that I attribute to a successful leader in the nursing field in today’s ever-changing healthcare landscape?” * Well, some things are unchanging.  Patients are still dying, and nurses are still … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life care, nurses are heroes | Tagged , | 2 Comments

HELLIDAYS ARE HERE AGAIN!

Posted on December 27, 2014 by Amy Getter

“Did you survive the holidays?” I was asked at work, and was immediately struck by the absurdity of the question. I’m not the hospice patient, after all, and I was expected to survive the month of festivities. But I was … 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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SMILE

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Amy Getter

As I sat listening to a great jazz rendition of the song “Smile”, I saw Ella in my mind’s eye.  I met her just briefly- in the middle of a humble living room, lying in her hospital bed, pale as the sheet over … Continue reading →

Posted in death bed vigil, laugh | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

THE WEDDING PLANNER

Posted on August 3, 2013 by Amy Getter

I imagine she looks like she is dying now…..no one other than family members are allowed in to see her these final days.  She was a friend a long time ago, and became more distant over the years, as she … Continue reading →

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THE LOVE CALL

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Amy Getter

That unmistakable “AAAAAAAmmmyyyyyy” heard down the street from my childhood home was my mother’s voice.  None of my friends’ moms had an operatic singing voice that floated throughout the neighborhood calling the other children home for dinner.  Just mine.  We … Continue reading →

Posted in death bed vigil, hospice story, letting go | Tagged , , , | 2 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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THE HEART STEALERS

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Amy Getter

I ducked my head under a canopy of gnarled and overloaded candy-pink rhododendron branches as I came up the sagging steps to the front door and rang the bell.  I waited. After a bit, an elderly woman answered, breathless and slightly flustered from … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life care, hospice story | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments