Tag Archives: active listening

Palace of Care – Existence

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Photo by Marija Zaric on Unsplash

Yes, it’s become a struggle, every day.

I get halfway through making lunch then I have to rest. When I finish making it I have to rest again before eating.

Heh, my only entertainment is going to the lavvy. And that’s no fun.

Every time I move I need to go to the toilet. Nothing much comes out and it’s exhausting.

Sometimes I make a mess and that’s even more stuff to clean up. I don’t have the energy.

COVID. I thought it would be the end of me. I was almost disappointed when I recovered.

Don’t get me wrong, if I wasn’t sick like this I’d be happy to continue living, but I have these illnesses. Nothing is going away, it’s only going to get worse.

I don’t want to be here any longer than necessary. This is existence. Not a life.

Blood transfusion? What’s the point? So I can live longer to get worse?

No, I wouldn’t want you to treat a chest infection. Yes, Let nature take its course.

No resuscitation.

Yes, you do understand me. Thank you.

You listen to what I want, nice for a change.

Palace of Care – See the difference Mum?

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Photo by Amir Esrafili on Unsplash

The other doctor was Asian too, but he had such sad eyes.

I said to him, don’t look at me with your sad eyes.

See mum, he just told me really bad news, but he did it in a gentle fashion.

That’s the difference compared to the hospital doctors.

He sat down, talked to me, we had some laughs.

He prepared me for the bad news and then delivered it, and didn’t run away.

Sat right in front of me, asked me if I had any questions.

The others sort of threw the bad news at me, and then ran out of the room as if they’ve just thrown in a grenade.

Danger, danger, gotta get out before it explodes.

Hot potato, pass it on, quickly or you’ll burn your hands.

I can handle the bad news, I’ve had plenty of it. Where’s the respect, you just tell me the worst thing in the world, and then you run off as if you are the one who is hurting?

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Palace of Care – Flirting at the end of life

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Photo by Jackson David on Unsplash

Good morning we’re two of the hospice doctors, the pharmacist and of course you know your nurse.

I can tell that you are very clever people.

You are a very charming lady to be able to tell that, as your eyes are closed and you can’t hear us apart from when we shout in your ear.

My hearing aid is broken, I close my eyes so that I can listen more intently.

That’s what I’m doing too.

I felt more comfortable and at peace as soon as I arrived in this room. So I’m not sure if I have any pain or discomfort.

The male doctor looked puzzled as the patient moved her hands, grabbing onto his shoulders.

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