by dlb916
I worked in end-of-life care for 20 years. Quite often people commented, “I don’t know how you do that. Isn’t that incredibly sad?” To which I usually replied, “That’s how I feel about accounting.” My honest reply was always, “It’s a calling, not a career.” Granted, it’s not an easy job and it’s not for everyone. Empathy and compassion are mandatory. …
by dlb916
In social work school we were required to practice silence. Crazy, right? We were instructed to sit across from a pretend patient/client and not speak for 60 seconds. Do you know how long it takes for a minute of silence? It’s like two hours! Silence is powerful. It gives the speaker and the listener time …
by dlb916
What a year this week has been! Try as I might to be Zen and peace-filled, the past seven days have been really, really hard. As my family was lovingly gathered to sit vigil as our sister made her way to heaven, I was exactly 816.9 miles away awaiting THE call. A little background…My sister, …
by dlb916
Cancer – possibly the most dreaded word in the English language. The word cancer is loathed and feared – a word that strikes terror in the hearts of those diagnosed, and in those who walk the journey alongside their loved one. For the past 20 years, I have worked with people who were diagnosed with …
by dlb916
Platitudes. We hear them often. The well-meaning comments intended to soothe or assuage: My boyfriend ghosted me – Plenty of other fish in the seaMy father died – Heaven just gained another angelWe had a miscarriage – You can always try againI have cancer – God never sends us more than we can bear. I …
by dlb916
A few months ago, a patient’s mother sent me a beautiful composition she had written about the time we spent together during her son’s illness. It brought me to tears. It’s not that I said anything profound, but to her, it was meaningful. I am honored and grateful she shared her memories with me. …
by dlb916
I used to regret a lot, like all the time. I regretted doing things and I regretted not doing things. I even had a t-shirt that had ‘Nothing is more painful than regret’ printed on the back. (I was serious about regret.) After years of rumination and hindsight, I regret to inform you, regret is …
by dlb916
Have you ever been wrong? I mean 100% certifiably incorrect. I found myself in that position recently. For years (like decades), I thought ameliorate meant to wipe out. In reality, ameliorate means to make better. This revelation came as quite a surprise. If you are a lover of words like me, imagine my shock when …
by dlb916
I am not a fan of the word retired. For many people of a certain age, their lifelong goal was to retire, leave the rat race, and enjoy a life of leisure. In 2021, retirement is being postponed for all kinds of reasons, most of which necessitate working well beyond the golden age of 65. …
by dlb916
I am blessed to have a mom that always knows exactly what to say: “If you don’t tell me when something’s wrong, how will I know what to pray for?” “I don’t have a favorite child; all seven of you are my favorites.” “Cindy, Denise, Gary…whoever you are, quit doing that.” “Just think what he’d …
