The Privilege

I feel like the things I write about have a continuing theme of depressing. I don't mean this blog to be emo or depressing, but to simply share my point of view on death an dying.
This week I had another two patients pass away. I should start by telling you, they were expected to die... As in, they were on "comfort care" with DNR/DNI orders. Just don't want you all thinking I go around killing my patients! A fellow co-worker said something in passing that I started to ponder. She said, "Lambert I don't know how you deal with all that (waving her hand towards my patient's door who had just passed away.)"
I started thinking a lot about what she said and asked myself why it seems so natural? I think it all depends on your point of view. For me, the act of holding someone's hand as they step from this world into eternity, is a privilege. In many cases, the fear of dying is so great it's actually what keeps the patient alive longer. If you're reading this blog, you probably already know where I stand as far as my belief in Jesus and the reality of Heaven and Hell. No matter what someone believes before they encounter death, they will undoubtedly call upon Jesus in their last moments. There is always an opportunity to share the love that our Savior offers.
When I came on shift at 1900, I noticed that my patient was particularly odorous and I decided to make it my goal that night to give him the bed bath of a lifetime. :) Myself and another co-worker bathed said patient, put lotion on him, shaved him, scrubbed his hair and brushed his gums. This particular patient had been unresponsive for the past 4 days. After I finished bathing him, I was telling him how his wife wasn't even going to know who this spiffy young fella was lying in his bed in the morning. He turned to me, opened his eyes and shared the briefest smile with me before going back to his rough breathing. About 45 minutes later when we checked on him, he had passed away.
Most of the time I am able to stay emotionally detached, but this particular night warranted a single tear. I could go home from work that day knowing that I had done my job well and that knowledge was invaluable. To be able to give someone who is passing away their dignity back, regardless of how brief it may be, that is what it's all about.
So yes, it is an honor. Maybe giving someone a bath before they pass or performing post-mortem care isn't a glorified job, but it is dignified. Holding the hand of someone, It is a privilege.