Good for you!

The writer misses a HUGE point when he writes, "Visits often seemed uneventful, with long minutes of silent hand-holding."

That's exactly when things happen, in those silences. That's exactly what so many friends, family members, and others are afraid to sit with, that silence. Silent hand-holding, just breathing and being rather than doing and talking, is what's necessary and real.

That's an enourmous service to give to others.

I'm so thankful for the development and acceptance of hospice programs. They are so humane. My grandmother had home hospice when she was dying, and it was a beautiful time which I'll always remember - we talked, looked over photos, I typed out her lifelong recipe collection which she really wanted to see completed and saved on the computer before she died. It was very emotional but so positive, so much preferable to a crisis-ridden hospital death.

Good luck on your educational journey - you picked a great path.

this is one of the best posts I've ever seen on Metachat - do me a favor and contact me by e-mail.

I'm on a similar path and want to know more about what your experience has been.

Or, in other words: Rock On, and let's get to work! :)