On the Edge of Life and Death
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CAREGIVERS STORE
Those who companion suffering daily, such as hospice nurses and volunteers, will surely appreciate this beautiful work. With 62 original art collages by Rashani Réa, five beautiful chapters by Kathy Douglas, and a foreword by Jean Watson, this exquisite book is a peaceful refuge for contemplation, inquiry, reflection and inspiration for those who traverse the joys and sorrows of nursing.
Kathy Douglas, RN, MPH-HA is a nationally recognized nurse leader, filmmaker and entrepreneur.
Rashani Réa is a prolific artist and musician, a creatrice of sanctuaries and a respected spiritual mentor.
“This is a beloved book and beyond a book. It is an evocative, poetic, ecstatic, and inspirited sacred, experiential calling. A calling to you--YES, YOU.”
— Jean Watson, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, Living Legend (AAN)
“Those who companion suffering daily need to turn inward to metabolize what they have witnessed. This exquisite book, filled with beautiful images and poetic wise words, is the inspiration and support needed to grow a wise heart.”
— Frank Ostaseski, founder and director of the Metta Institute and author of The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully
“In this unique time of the COVID-19 pandemic, this book should be considered a tribute to the tremendous courage being displayed by nurses around the world. There is much wisdom conveyed throughout by those who have been there serving others with such grace.”
— Greg Schneider President, HVA, co-author of The Changing Face of Hospice Volunteering in Hospice and Palliative Care
Comments
Very touched by this video and sending on to our local hospices and hospitals. Every moment we wait to start a program, "no one dies alone", many are dying without companionship and love. Thanks, once again, Greg! Bless you!
This is a beautiful film that I can relate to on so many levels. The description shared about the actual experience of caregiving those with AIDS is explained very well and reminded me of my own experience.
Back in the 1990's when an AIDS diagnosis was often a death sentence in one's near future, I became an unofficial hospice volunteer without even knowing it. Over a three-year period, two men whom I didn't know well came into my life. They both had AIDS and had little or no family support. The first man, who was in his 40's, also had dementia. I decided to support them because I knew they needed someone to help navigate them through a complex healthcare system and encourage them personally in dealing with terminal illness. I learned as I worked with them, and I was warned several times to stay away from these men or I might "catch AIDS."
My decision later to become a certified hospice volunteer was greatly impacted by my involvement with these men. Joseph's House, which started in 1990, continues to provide an invaluable service in nurturing the living and accompanying the dying.
This was such a beautiful video and so real. I appreciate the expression of love as too often in clinical settings we are not allowed to embrace that. There truly is a special love that is formed between the hospice patient and the caregiver that I believe every hospice patient has the right to feel. My work as a hospice aide helped me mature and see life in a new prospective and I have always been grateful for the experience. Thank you for sharing this very touching video.
My sentiments exactly...so beautiful. Greg
Wow, how deeply touching! "Might an encounter between any two people hold the capacity to change everything?" I have never had such perfect words for this belief. Thanks to Nik Askew for making this amazing movie and to you Greg, for sharing it with us!
This video is from the Joseph's House in Washington DC. They provide healing care to homeless men and women dying of AIDS and cancer through physical nurturing, spiritual companionship and the restoration of dignity. This video is quite reflective on the nature of the relationship between the dying and the compassionate individuals who serve them.
Their website describes their mission as: Opened in 1990 in response to the AIDS crisis in Washington, DC, Joseph’s House offers a welcoming community and comprehensive nursing and support services to homeless men and women dying of AIDS and cancer. Our clinical staff and trained caregivers work to create a home where the values of unreserved love and friendship are practiced. With tenderness and exquisite care we accompany men and women who, without Joseph’s House, would die a lonely, isolated death. Together, we nurture the living and accompany the dying, providing a depth of physical, emotional and spiritual support that creates the possibility for profound healing and the restoration of individual dignity. At Joseph’s House each person is loved and cared for as family. At Joseph’s House, all are changed. We believe in love. We nurture and support our volunteers and staff members with as great an intention as we care for our residents. We learn to find a place of rest in the middle of things; just as it is, just as we are. We believe that no one should die alone and members of our community keep vigil with residents who are dying. Together, we nurture the living and accompany the dying.
http://josephshouse.org/about/mission/