The family listened intently as the news was passed through a Creole translator. They asked if there was some machine that we could put him on, some medication that they could procure that might give him a chance to come back to them. "We're sorry, there is really nothing we can do". The family went away to get some other clothes so that their father/friend/husband didn't have to die in wet jeans and a soiled t-shirt.
He lay there and I watched. All night, breath after breath… I watched. I watched as the man took his last breath, nothing more than a small gasp really. It stopped raining; I left the tent to get some coffee.
2 comments:
As a nurse, I've been privileged to be with individuals at the time of passing. I've often wondered about life's end. One minute a breath, then none follow. What is it that makes a particular breath the last?
Lovely photos. Take care.
Many years ago I slept in a 92 pt ward, on the floor, where my girlfriend had been brought to the hospital after a car accident. I knew nothing about medicine. I was in India and the only thing I knew for sure is that if I didn't stay with her she surely would die there. She was 6 mos pregnant. This, of course becomes a very long story I will not go into here, but the lady in the next bed - 3 ft away was dying. She didn't have anyone with her - most of the other patients did - I turned my attention to her - she asked for water (panni) I took a spoon and put it to her mouth. She swished it around and spit it out and died. Now as a nurse I attend many passings. I always feel a sensation both physical and emotional of floating - a true high. The sky is always closer and I try to get outside soon to grasp the stars within my reach.
I am glad you are there to do the work. Enjoy your strength. But for being old I would love to be next to you. Someone has to stay behind and tend to those here. It is up to the long in tooth to stay - is it not? Take care.
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