Diary of a Death Doula by Debra Diamond Ph. D

Author:Debra Diamond Ph. D.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: O-Books
Published: 2019-08-10T00:00:00+00:00

An inspirational life

I look up when I hear a knock on the door. A nurse asks if she can come in to give the patient his meds. She moves around the bed and listens to the respirator, and asks if I’ve heard any unusual noises from the machine.

I haven’t, but I tell her I’ll let her know if I do.

The nurse then asks if I’ve read the book about the patient.

“What book?” I ask.

“The inspirational book,” the nurse says, pointing to a book on the dresser.

I step over to the dresser, and when I pick up the book I notice one of the chapters has been marked with a piece of yellow paper. I pull it out and begin to read. The chapter was written by the patient and describes how one day as a young child he was running after his baby sister and, the next day, he’s unable to walk. This man endured numerous operations over his lifetime. He couldn’t write very well but managed to adapt, with a cheerful outlook and determination. He excelled in school, was Vice-President of his Spanish Club, went to college, and after college, got a job with the IRS. When he interviewed for the job, the personnel department asked if he would be able to get to work. Would it be difficult since he needed a wheelchair? He told them it wouldn’t be a problem, even though he had no idea how he was going to get there. He eventually took a combination of buses and private transportation.

After retirement this man remained active and had many friends and interests. From his story I gleaned he never viewed himself as a victim, never entitled or special. His tale is a lesson of hope and purpose. I was struck by how this man was severely handicapped yet went on to live a beautiful and complete life.

I continue to witness this patient’s philosophy as his end-of-life journey unfolds. I see how he faces this stage like other patients I’ve sat with. I feel blessed to cross paths with this man, so expert at manifesting godliness, simply through his beliefs which he transforms into reality.

The nurse continues to work on the respirator as I peruse the chapter in the book. Soon a doctor enters the room and checks both Mr. Rudowski’s breathing and his feet. Medical staff usually check patients’ feet to see if they are cool, a sign of impending death.

As the doctor leaves he wishes me a peaceful day. I thank him for his help and wish him well, too.

I turn back to the patient, who is progressing as his consciousness has moved to a higher realm, moving at a steady rate, not looking back, but continuing on his path to whatever lies ahead. His landscape is becoming deeper, richer, and farther removed from earth. It’s marked by loving kindness and he glides in his journey, almost flying gently over the very light but complete vista beneath him.

I am humbled and inspired by this patient who seems to love life every day.

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