With the palliative care unit having been opened a little over a year, this is a time to celebrate and reminisce. What a year! The palliative care unit is a special unit with very special patients and families. One thing we have all learned is that “Life doesn’t stand still, even when you are ill.” We have witnessed weddings, baptisms, deaths, and many other memorable events on our unit.
One of the most special events that come to mind was the birthday of an “elderly” gentleman turning 103 years old. Minus him being hard of hearing, he was relatively healthy!!!! The Palliative Care (PC) Team of Harris 2nd floor worked above and beyond the demands of their daily jobs to ensure this would not be an ordinary day for this beloved man. The staff purchased streamers, banners to decorate his room as well as birthday hats, party blowers, plates, napkins, and birthday cake. They even made arrangements for his son to retrieve his wife so that she, too, could participate. To make this occasion even more memorable, the patient’s wife of 64 years arrived to our unit walking with the use of her walker (she was just 97 years old, herself). The party was complete with decorations, singing, laughter, and cake and the whole Palliative Care team! I do not think this 103 year old birthday party is one that the patient, family, or staff will ever forget.
Although there is quite a bit of sorrow within our specialty, we also see a lot of joy. We learn to celebrate each day that we are fortunate to have and share with others. We have learned from our patients and families to embrace life with death and refocus our priorities daily. What a wonderful blessing it has been to share in these life lessons and experiences on this unit and with this INCREDIBLE staff of friends!!!
One of the most special events that come to mind was the birthday of an “elderly” gentleman turning 103 years old. Minus him being hard of hearing, he was relatively healthy!!!! The Palliative Care (PC) Team of Harris 2nd floor worked above and beyond the demands of their daily jobs to ensure this would not be an ordinary day for this beloved man. The staff purchased streamers, banners to decorate his room as well as birthday hats, party blowers, plates, napkins, and birthday cake. They even made arrangements for his son to retrieve his wife so that she, too, could participate. To make this occasion even more memorable, the patient’s wife of 64 years arrived to our unit walking with the use of her walker (she was just 97 years old, herself). The party was complete with decorations, singing, laughter, and cake and the whole Palliative Care team! I do not think this 103 year old birthday party is one that the patient, family, or staff will ever forget.
Although there is quite a bit of sorrow within our specialty, we also see a lot of joy. We learn to celebrate each day that we are fortunate to have and share with others. We have learned from our patients and families to embrace life with death and refocus our priorities daily. What a wonderful blessing it has been to share in these life lessons and experiences on this unit and with this INCREDIBLE staff of friends!!!
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