Emotional Encounters with Death: A CNA’s Vivid Stories
As a caregiver, my interactions with the elderly and terminally ill are both humbling and heart-wrenching. Over the years, I have witnessed countless end-of-life moments, where the fragility of life is palpable. While some stories are filled with peace and acceptance, others are marred by confusion, regret, and even anger. In this article, I share two profound encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Delving into the Forgotten Questions: The Last Words of an Elderly Patient
My career has spanned various healthcare settings, from hospitals and nursing homes to home care. During this tenure, I have had the opportunity to care for individuals of all ages, but my experiences with the elderly have been particularly significant. The early 90s lady who lived in a grandma’s apartment behind her daughter and son-in-law’s house was a retired schoolteacher who contracted pneumonia post-surgery. Her last question to me, “How do you know there is a God?” accompanied by a plea for assurance, was a poignant moment.
I responded, “I just feel Him in my heart.” However, she was not satisfied with this answer and expressed a continuing search for certainty. As she lay down, her struggle for clarity faded into a peaceful sleep. The haunting absence of a clear, comforting response lingers with me to this day.
The Nine-Year-Old’s Last Wishes: A Heartfelt Lying Well
While the first story revolves around an elderly patient, the second involves a young girl, perhaps the most challenging and meaningful experience I have ever had.
A 9-year-old girl was terminally ill and prepared to say goodbye. She was confused and torn between anger and a desire for a normal life, especially the dream of becoming a mother. Through our care, we endeavored to make her feel positively, knowing that this was the last wish she wished to fulfill. In a moment of compassion, we told her that she had given birth to a baby.
A colleague who had just given birth brought in her newborn, and we explained to the girl that she was the mother of this baby. This simple lie brought a smile to her face and a new sense of happiness. Sadly, she passed away a few days later, having received the last wish she desired. It was a bittersweet moment of joy and sorrow.
It is crucial to note that this story is hypothetical and dramatized for illustrative purposes. In reality, no child was involved, and we withheld information about pregnancy and childbirth to ensure her peace.
Each day in elderly care is a lesson, a challenge, and a reminder of the preciousness of life. These experiences shape our perspectives and ultimately touch the lives of all those we care for in profound ways.