I have been exposed to dying
almost all my life, what with relatives,the Coast Guard and
several wars, but my intrest in careing for the handicapped and
terminally ill started with my son and one of the worst
experiances I have ever had up to going into nursing.
My son had a medical problem
which required hopitalization and while he was in the hospital I
took emergency leave and stayed with him.
I was there for a few days when
I noticed a room down the hall with the curtins drawn.
The nurses went in occasionally
but hardly anyone else.
I asked one of the nurses about
the room and she told me that there was a young boy dying in that
room and that his relatives had a hard time dealing with this and
so only came occasionally but were able to be reached if he got
worse.
I found this to be strange as I
was staying as much as I could to be with my son through this
time, and the other boy was for all intents was being shunnd.
I asked if I could visit the
child and the nurses let me see him.We talked and I introduced
him to my son.
Every day after that I would
visit him and read some of the books I had brought to read to my
son.
Sometime after my son left the
hospital the young boy passed away.I recieved a note from his
parents for being so kind to their child. I was sorely tempted to
let them know I was only doing what they should have done,but I
realised everyone handles things the best they can.
Sometimes I think that people
are afraid to be near people who are nearing death becase they
feel it is contagious.
There are others who can't bear
to watch their loved ones suffer,but I am certain the person who
is departing would appreciate someones presence in their final
days if they are aware.
This experiance with this fellow
and dealing with my own childs problems is what prompted me to go
to nursing school.I never regretted the move.