Acceptance

One of my client’s is dying. It is completely expected, she has been terminal for a long time. She is not expected to live much longer. I have lived through her struggles to beat this disease. I have seen her attempts to return to work and succeed when the Doctors told her it was impossible. I have supported her but also in following the policy I am bound to I have unfortunately also made her cry and brought her sorrow and extra stress.

She has cried tears on the phone and leaned on my shoulder about not being able to watch her children grow up. She has grieved for the life she so desperately wants back but will never be able to even come close to living again.

Today I received a report on my desk with about 100 pages of supporting documentation of her present life circumstances. All I want to do right now is cry for her. To mourn with her the loss of what she had and the unfair life she now is faced with.

I worked in palliative care years ago and I really hope that she gets that peaceful end she deserves after all the struggles that she has ensued.

My working relationship with her has ended. But she is one of my clients that will forever hold a place in my heart.