We have such a sad/sweet thing going on my unit right now.
We have this lovey 92 year old woman who is obviously slowly declining. Her husband - who is 93 - comes in everyday about 7:00am and spends the whole day with her. He makes sure she takes her pills, feeds her her meals, etc. When not doing that, he just sits there and holds her hand. And she just lies there and smiles. It is so sweet. They will be married 70 years in a few days! They never had children - only each other - and have been very active and healthy until just recently.
When he leaves each night he asks us to take "good care of his girl".
The signs are very clear - she doesn't have long to be here. I dread the day she dies - he will be so sad. I just pray every shift that it doesn't happen when I am there because I am sure I will break down!
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I watched my father-in-law died recently. He was one of my best friends and like a father to me, he's one of the only good role models I ever had. The little things the care staff did at the end are what I remember, like young CNA who established a rapport with him and shook his hand when his shift ended and tried to make us as comfortable as possible. I remember the young serious doctor who probably knew with certainty he was dying but did a good job keeping his composure and not bluntly trying to burst our bubble about taking him home. That extra effort put in my care staff on the way out is noticed and remembered forever by the family.
Recently losing my BIL.....I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers for you and your family.
Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN
20,908 Posts
Recently losing my BIL.....I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers for you and your family.