Feb 09, 2008 06:51 PM - Dear Dixielee,

You are entering of period of darkness that none of us could ever imagine unless we experienced it ourselves. But remember that you are providing your husband the greatest honor in having loved him the way you have. Your being his wife allowed him to become everything he is, and in turn, he has returned your love in kind. And as you honor him now by being there and holding him when you can, the love you so freely offer will illuminate your path forever forward, no matter what comes next.

Do not worry about second guessing how you feel. There is no playbook of grief. It is an individual as the stars and you owe no one apologies or excuses for your behavior.

We’re here for you should you need this great community of collective hearts.

Feb 10, 2008 04:56 AM - ((((Dixilee))))) sending heartfelt thoughts your way; and god bless you as you assist your husband on his journey. Please do not try and do everything alone, though... you dont need hoards of people in your house but you do need to eat sleep and rest yourself. Please take care of yourself ; and come to any of us if you need. you are an inspiration.

Feb 10, 2008 09:27 AM - I pray that I am able to do this, and with all the mental energy and physical strengh I have, I will do my best.

Dixilee, do pray. Pray hard and often for strength and energy. Let the Lord help you. And let others help you; surround yourself with good people. Be near him and be selfish if you have to. If you have children let them say goodbye too and be near him as well. I feel for you and I am so sorry you are going through this. I pray that you find comfort and peace in his last days and that his suffering is not long.

Take care of yourself.

~KelRN24

Feb 10, 2008 02:16 PM - This story touched me. I almost started crying after i read it. You really captured the spirit of nursing in this article!!!!! good job!!!!!!!!!

Feb 10, 2008 05:55 PM - Wow. Thank you so much for sharing. I've only worked in the ICU for a little over a year, but I've already had several patients and families that I've cared for at the end of life. I've seriously considered a career in hospice due to the cards and letters I've received after the patient passed. Again, thank you so much for your story - it's an inspiration.

Feb 12, 2008 01:27 AM - I worked with nurses aide who did this with an elderly couple and he saw me at church and praised all that was involved with it. I make sure my nursing students touch their patients and know their feelings. I believe that healing is in the hands not just through medicine.
I'm so ashamed of the nurses that now sit on their butts and don't get to know their patients. It is truly their loss.

Feb 12, 2008 11:00 AM - What a beautiful story. I'm still a student, but this is the kind of nurse I want to be. I'm going to print this out and keep it with me as a reminder to never get so hardened by what I see that I loose my compassion for others. You are a true inspiration to all of us who are just starting out. Thank you for sharing!

Feb 16, 2008 06:47 PM - What a beautiful story! What compassion! I commend you for the humanity you so obviously show to your patients and families!

Feb 16, 2008 07:11 PM - Thank you so much for posting this story. I just graduated, passed my boards (!!!!) but because of other training I won't be able to start floor nursing until June. But this story reminded me of the nurse that I strive to be; the one who looks deeper than his/her patients' physical needs. I hope that I have the ability to express the compassion that you have and truly practice holistic care. I appreciate you and what you do and for inspiring someone like me Thanks again.

Feb 17, 2008 11:46 AM - Dear JMERN,

I am humbled by all those who say that I have been an inspiration. For me--once and always a teacher--there is no higher honor than to know that I have helped others garner the courage to step beyond the circle of understanding or expectation and into the realm of what is possible.

We each possess our own special genius. It is up to each of us to find the right door which, when opened, leads to a future not yet imagined.