To wish for more time is human, but to be grateful for capturing a story connected to me – that feels eternal.
How many decades and how many generations can your own family knowing span? I was fortunate enough to know my four grandparents and through this knowing I feel connected to Australian and World external events as far back as 1892. This was the year of birth of my Dad’s father (the oldest of my grandparents). When you think of the family relatives you remember through your own life you’ll be able to pinpoint your own special year that you can reach back to. I wonder what year it will be and what external event you’ll end up choosing?
On the 12th September 1892, Ambulance services begin in Queensland Australia, the first such service anywhere in the world (source http://today.wmit.net.au/). This event is also an appropriate historical event for the theme of this post.
When you have family members who are nearing the end of their life it is important to be there. When my Dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 he was able to fulfill his wish and die at home and with his family. With the support of the palliative care team, social workers, and our community hospital it was a wish that our family is grateful he made.
This article reported in the Sydney Morning herald echoes my own thoughts on this sensitive topic of death at home and the depth of knowing it brings to appreciating family life and change. (be-there-and-be-available-when-someone-is-dying-caring-at-end-of-life-palliative-care-report)