I found Benji's account extremely moving. My first experience of grief and loss was as a nine-year old. My Uncle Don, my hero, died from testicular cancer at thirty-six, barely six months after being diagnosed. I have no doubt I was traumatized. Later, my father passing of cancer when I was thirty-five added to this profound experience. When at the age of forty, the opportunity to train as a Registered Nurse arose, I had no doubt my focus would be on Palliative Care. Now retired, I've written a memoir (hopefully to be published in late 2025), of those twelve-years, called "Should I Laugh or Should I Cry". Not the usual stories about grief and loss, but rather the anecdotes and experiences from the perspective of the person in the bed, their loved ones, and those caring for them. I would love it to be a learning tool for those intending to become doctors and nurses, but regardless, it presents a balance of both sadness and joy for every one. Despite the fact we are all only here for a limited time, the least discussed topics are death and dying.
I found Benji's account extremely moving. My first experience of grief and loss was as a nine-year old. My Uncle Don, my hero, died from testicular cancer at thirty-six, barely six months after being diagnosed. I have no doubt I was traumatized. Later, my father passing of cancer when I was thirty-five added to this profound experience. When at the age of forty, the opportunity to train as a Registered Nurse arose, I had no doubt my focus would be on Palliative Care. Now retired, I've written a memoir (hopefully to be published in late 2025), of those twelve-years, called "Should I Laugh or Should I Cry". Not the usual stories about grief and loss, but rather the anecdotes and experiences from the perspective of the person in the bed, their loved ones, and those caring for them. I would love it to be a learning tool for those intending to become doctors and nurses, but regardless, it presents a balance of both sadness and joy for every one. Despite the fact we are all only here for a limited time, the least discussed topics are death and dying.
Bev Young
beverleyyoungauthor.com