Why do we, the watchers, get so caught up in remembering the labor of dying? Because we don’t know how people die. We just have the movies and TV that show us a clean, smooth, gentle, “say something profound and close your eyes kind of dying.” Well, it doesn’t happen …

Barbara, What do you believe the person dying is experiencing as they approach death?  I do not know for sure since I have yet to experience approaching death, but here is what I have come to believe from the many deaths I have been present for. I believe we die …

I was asked what I recommend for hospice volunteer training. What guidance is needed to begin working with end of life situations? As I prepared to write my thoughts, I realized this information is not just important for hospice volunteers, but for anyone working with end of life situations — …

A friend went to an oncologist for a medical problem. Yes, there was a problem, the doctor said – and then proceeded to explain in complicated medical terminology. Words and explanations that were totally out of my friend’s (and most people’s) knowledge and comprehension. A personal and all-too-common example comes …

Dying is not like it is in the movies. There are generally no important words or messages given followed by breathing peacefully stopping. Instead, there are strange sounds, messy bodily functions – such as peeing, pooping, and spitting – as well as aimless movements of hands, arms, and general restlessness. …