Tuesdays with Morrie

So for my Adult II class, we all had to watch a movie relating to end-of-life stuff. I chose to watch the aforementioned Tuesdays with Morrie, and I am so glad I did.

I have never really given much thought to end of life care, probably since my entire family is still alive. I still have both my grandmothers, and although one of my grandfathers has passed away, it was when I was very little. All of the relatives I am close to are still alive, and I see them often. As such, I've never thought about what it would be like to lose a close family member; or worse, lose one in such a way that we see death coming from a long way off. Now that I am in nursing school and dealing with the deaths of patients, this is something I need to spend a lot more time on. I know that I have never worked through my own thoughts about the deaths of others, even though it is something I needed to do.

So this movie was absolutely wonderful. I think it really helped me settle my thoughts on death, so that when I lose one of my patients or need to have a discussion with a family member about the death of their loved one, I will be prepared.

There is one question that Morrie asks of Mitch, which I think describes the biggest lesson I will take from this movie. He asks, "How can you spare someone's feelings by denying them?" I think this is a hugely thought provoking question, and I will be sure to ask this of myself when in a death-related situation. Only by acknowledging someones fears, anxiety, questions, and tears will I be able to sort out my own feelings about the patient.

You know, my friends and I complain a lot about our nursing school and the incompetency of certain professors. But for once, we were given an assignment that will truly help us in the real world of nursing. And I'm so glad we were. Well done (for once), professors. Well done.