Everyone’s in Hospice

I think they're onto something

I’ve got three friends in hospice right now and another who died recently. Maybe they know something I don’t, something about our society’s deeply intense need for palliative care. Or that it’s a good time to jump off this burning planet. Maybe they’re just dying, which is more likely. Still, I feel like I’m missing out.

Drugs that take away your pain, an electric bed that bends to your aching body, everyone at your beck and call, friends and family telling you how much they love you and regaling you with your impact on their lives. Why don’t we enjoy more of this before the Final Goodbye? Must we squeeze it all into our last few days or weeks, between catheter bags and oxygen masks?

Hospice is invaluable. It gives us time to say goodbye. I’ve lost loved ones suddenly. It’s a hurt that never hits bottom. Hospice has let me say the five things we should say to our people before death: thank you, I love you, forgive me, I forgive you and goodbye. I’m so grateful for that time. It lets us …