Saying Goodbye

One of the most difficult parts of my job is when I go to a hospital to visit a member of our church who is dying. Barring a miracle, and they do happen, sometimes it's quite clear that the end is near for a friend from church. And saying goodbye is tough.

Attending a funeral or a graveside service is difficult in its own way, but there my role is to comfort the family. The death has already occurred.

But when I go to tell someone goodbye (of course never using the actual word), I am often at a loss for what to say. Does the patient know they are gravely ill? Do we talk about death? Heaven? The past and shared memories? Do I try to be upbeat and encouraging or quiet and somber because we all know what is happening?

Saying goodbye is hard. I had to do that last week.