Spiritual Care
By Sandy Broad, Spiritual Care Practitioner for Emily’s House/Philip Aziz Centre for Hospice Care
There will never be an end to those adapting and struggling as they face the end of their life. Each situation and person is unique and unfolds as an open heart and curiosity comes alongside them.
Visits to those who are palliative continue to be a gift – I told a client recently, how honoured I was to meet them, when up to that point, our paths had not crossed. I learn something new from each person – whether it is directly related to their own spirituality or to how they are making sense of and processing the human journey coming to a close.
Recently, a client found great comfort in talking about the joy and anticipation she feels knowing she will embrace someone very special to her who died many years ago. A belief not shared by those she lived with. Another person, believing in a strong connection to nature, shared their knowledge of the life of the tree and how their intricacy assured them of a divine or supreme being. “Isn’t that fabulous?” he asked.
Within spiritual care, there are also many caregivers who are strenuously burdened by this complex task. Often, their anticipatory grief is clouded by exhaustion, fear, contradictions, guilt and shame. I am a sounding board for the horrible reality of wanting “it” to be over, while also holding the knowledge of what this means – death. There is no great winner in a situation where there is tireless work and concern, only to have it end in a final breath. How does one process this in the midst of it all?
Periods of relief can be experienced when spiritual care is present to “hold space,” normalize and validate their challenging emotions and physical exhaustion. A long-term caregiver said to me, “Our time together, let’s me be real, and recharge enough to go back into the lion’s den.” I cannot change anyone’s reality, but can come alongside to support the journey, perhaps offering a possible reframe or encouragement at the loving care and space they have created.
Uncertainty is a word commonly on the lips of those who are palliative, and those who care for them – at times for different reasons. Often, belief in a Power or Being greater than themselves provides hope, comfort, connection and courage to carry on. Spiritual care makes room for these conversations and possibilities.
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