The care we provide can never be perfect. If it was perfect then a person would not be dying. We cannot hope to take away all of the trauma and grief of the survivors. It is not possible. They will be affected by their loss. We can try to decrease it as much as possible, but it cannot be eliminated.

We all take a risk when we connect with fellow human beings. The stronger the connection the stronger the potential loss when disconnection occurs. All things will come to an end eventually, it is just a matter of time. But until the ultimate disconnection comes we make choices. We choose how to spend the rest of our lives.

We put things off and say we will do it tomorrow, or next week or month. Not all of us make it. Working in Palliative Care we see daily evidence of life being too short. We only get one shot at life or death. Make the most of it. Forget about doing the perfect job, instead, ask yourself if your work is good enough. Have you done all you can to make a difference in someone else’s day? Have you shown them that you care? Are you willing to take the risk?