Dying & Bereavement

Here I provide real stories of encounters with death and grief, told in the words of those who experienced it.

Assessing a patient's spiritual needs is an important component of the holistic approach to effective management of pain. It provides an insight into how the patient and the family are likely to cope.

The only grief we can speak to is that which we've personally experienced. No two experiences are the same.

The death of a loved one while sleeping can come as an enormous shock, particularly if the deceased had no known health issues. Some, however, view death while sleeping as the most peaceful way to go.

Sometimes it's hard to know what to say to a friend who is facing the loss of a loved one. Here are some words and verses that may provide comfort . . . as well as some advice about what NOT to say.

Do you find yourself crying in public and unable to control your tears? There are biological as well as emotional forces at play. Learn about easy ways to stop crying.

Death is difficult to accept, and yet it is a part of life that we cannot change. Having a better understanding of the stages of the dying process will help ease the experience for all involved.

Over my many years in the medical field, I've witnessed many deaths. Some people see death as a tragedy. Some see it as a release from pain and suffering. One thing is certain: death is inevitable.