As a nurse, I have witnessed the miracle of birth and the sadness of death. The death of my mother was one of the most profound experiences I have ever encountered. The lessons I learned through this event made me more sensitive to the needs of patients and their families. The purpose of this story is to offer hope and encouragement to others who may be suffering the loss of a parent and to provide reminders and suggestions for nurses who attend to the needs of the dying with an emphasis on communication, presencing, and advocacy.
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