Testimony: A Mother is Always There
From the moment a mother brings a child into the world, she is there for him. Day and night, whatever his needs are, she is always there.
She taught you to walk, to talk, to taste the good things in life. You were growing up so fast! She often said to herself, “I’ve lost my baby”… But deep down, she was happy to see you grow up and enjoyed discovering the person you were becoming.
On your first day of school, she dropped you off with your little lunch box and watched you disappear behind closed doors. What you didn’t know is that she spent the day in her car outside the school, hoping to catch a glimpse of you at recess. She wanted to make sure you were getting along with your classmates and making many new friends.
Over the years, your Mom teaches you to dance, to laugh, to love. She teaches you to love others and, most importantly, to love yourself. She tells you about what her life was like when she was your age. She explains to you how life was different in her day. And she tells you about those things that she didn’t get to experience and that she is happy you can do so.
As a teenager, you experience love and your Mom is there to support you. As you enter adulthood, you begin to go out and about on your own. Your Mom is always there. She waits for you in the evening, even when you come home late. You confide in her about your personal life and she listens, advises you, but never judges you.
One day, you introduce the love of your life to your Mom. When you tell her that you are going to get married, deep in her heart, your Mom knows that this is not the right person for you. But she respects you and lets you make your own way.
At the wedding, sitting in the front row, she cries, but she is there for you. All that matters is that she shares this important moment with you and supports you.
Later, you have your own children. Your Mom then becomes a grandmother. She is the best babysitter; she takes such good care of her grandchildren! Every Christmas, she is there to share the little family’s happiness. It is during these moments of celebration that you share your reality as a parent. She tells you about her life, her past Christmases. She talks about her own parents and grandparents. Through her stories and memories, you get to know your Mom. You will discover your Mom’s life all throughout your own.
One day, you tell your Mom that you have met someone new and that you will continue your life with her. From the first meeting, she knows that this time it’s the right one and that makes her happy. At your second wedding, still sitting in the front row, she laughs out loud. She beams at seeing her child so well accompanied.
Life goes on. The grandchildren grow up and in turn have their own children. This is when your mother discovers she is ill. You all have to come to terms with the fact that the holiday season will never be the same again. Then, slowly, life fades away and that’s how your Mom leaves you.
Even though she is no longer with you, you still remember her advice, her stories and her recipes. By cooking your Mom’s dishes, you keep her alive, close to you at all times.
Life goes on. Time passes slowly. Then, sickness hits you, too. In need of special care, you live in a hospital. It is there that other memories, deeper, more ingrained, come back to you. You remember her perfume. Her lipstick. Her nail polish. The sound of her heels on the floor. You remember your life with her.
As you near the end of your own life, and in your last moments, you will still be able to ask her: “Mom, come get me”. She will still be there for you.
READ MOREGuy Lafleur: 1 Year Since the Great Departure of Le Démon Blond
On April 22, we lost Guy Lafleur to lung cancer at the age of 70. Here’s a look back at this great name in hockey history—a player with extraordinary energy and a man of incomparable generosity.
A legend on the ice
Guy Lafleur made a remarkable debut in the National Hockey League, where he played for 17 seasons. He skated for the New York Rangers and the Quebec Nordiques, but he forged his career mainly with the Montreal Canadiens, the team with which he won 5 Stanley Cups.
Known for his impressive speed and his outstandingly accurate shots, he became the first NHL player to score 50 goals and 100 points during 6 consecutive seasons. In fact, he was named one of the 100 best players in the League in 2017.
In 1988, the number 10 was retired by the Habs when Guy Lafleur was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
A man who was larger than life
Guy Lafleur’s popularity extended far beyond the ice. The man nicknamed “Démon Blond” (Blond Demon) was known for his generosity and simplicity. Always close to people despite his success, he never refused to sign an autograph or take a picture with a fan.
He was involved with the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation and the CHUM Foundation. Helping children was important to him. That’s why he often visited young patients in children’s hospitals.
A national funeral for the hockey player
On April 24, 2022, as the Canadiens took on the Bruins at the Bell Centre, a pre-game ceremony paying tribute to the man who had left us two days earlier, ended with a 10-minute standing ovation among the fans in attendance.
The official commemorations took place May 1-2, 2022 at the Bell Centre. Tens of thousands of people gathered in front of his casket, transforming the place into a burning chapel.
Guy Lafleur’s national funeral was held on May 3 at the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral in Montreal. His casket was carried by his ex-team mates Pierre Bouchard, Guy Lapointe, Mario Tremblay, Yvon Lambert and his sons Mark and Martin.
The master of ceremonies was none other than Michel Lacroix, the Montreal Canadiens’ in-house announcer. A number of big names in hockey paid tribute to Guy Lafleur that day. Ginette Reno even performed her song “L’Essentiel”. Then, the religious part of the ceremony was presided over by Christian Lépine, Archbishop of Montreal.
And lastly, the casket—covered in the colours of the Montreal Canadiens—was escorted out of the cathedral to a round of applause.
A tribute that transcends time
Last May, the city of Montreal was talking about naming a street, a park or another public space after Guy Lafleur. As for the Quebec government, it said it was open to the idea of renaming Highway 50 “Autoroute Guy Lafleur”, as it runs through Thurso, the hockey player’s hometown.
However, according to the Commission de toponymie du Québec (CTQ), a place cannot be named after a person who died less than a year ago. Today, almost 12 months after the great departure of Le Démon Blond, we can hope to see his name revived in our Quebec spaces.
READ MOREA Special Benefit to Make Funeral Services Accessible to Everyone
Because every family has the right to say a final farewell to a loved one in a dignified way, the Quebec government has set up a special benefit for funeral expenses of up to $2500 to cover all or part of these expenses.
This financial assistance replaces the Death Benefit in cases where the deceased had not contributed enough to the Quebec Pension Plan. Here are the terms and conditions for applying for the special benefit…
Who is entitled to the Special Funeral Expense Benefit?
This benefit is paid if the deceased did not have the financial means to pay for funeral expenses and is not entitled to the Death Benefit.
However, the deceased does not need to have been receiving social assistance or social solidarity benefits to be eligible. If the deceased did receive benefits under one of these programs, the Application for the payment of funeral expenses form (SR-0006FA) must be completed. If the deceased did not receive benefits under one of these programs, the Application for Payment of Funeral Expenses for an Independent Adult Who Was Not Receiving Last-Resort Financial Assistance (3005A) form corresponding to the deceased’s situation must be completed.
In the case of the death of a child, the parent must be receiving social assistance or social solidarity benefits. The child must have been stillborn and died while not in the care of a parent.
How is the special benefit calculated?
The calculation of this financial assistance takes into account the liquid assets and the value of the person’s property and life insurance at the time of death. It also takes into account the amount of any existing pre-arranged funeral services contract and pre-purchased burial contract.
How do I apply?
After completing the appropriate form, you must drop it off or mail it to the nearest Services Québec office. It must be received no later than 90 days after the date of the funeral services.
During your visit to the funeral home, the funeral advisor can guide you through the steps to apply for the Special Funeral Expense Benefit and will help you calmly handle this difficult step, with respect and dignity.
For more information:
https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/social-assistance-social-solidarity/calculating-basic-benefit/funeral-expenses
Grieving and Commemorating our Idols
One morning, while visiting a news site or browsing your social media, you learned of the death of one of your idols whose career you followed or of a celebrity who was particularly near and dear to your heart. You may have never even met them, yet a deep sense of sadness and nostalgia followed you around for a few days.
How is it that the death of a famous person can affect us so much?
An inspirational role model
We are more likely to become attached to a public figure we can relate to, for example, when their life experiences are similar to ours or when they work in a field we are passionate about. It could be an Olympic athlete who overcame the same phobia as we did, a journalist who went to our high school, a TV star with similar family values to ours, or a singer from our hometown. Sometimes it’s simply that their humour, kindness, courage or talents inspire us.
The bond between us then creates a special emotional attachment, and we enjoy following their life as if they were a member of our family. The departure of the celebrity in question inevitably leaves a void in our lives.
A presence in the background
The death of a celebrity can also make us sad because we associate that person with key moments in our lives. For example, for thousands of Quebecers, Michel Louvain’s songs were part of the soundtrack of many a dance party or family reunion. If you attended a Pierre Légaré show on a special romantic date, his death may have brought back fond memories. Or, perhaps the death of Carrie Fisher, the mythical Princess Leia, saddened you because you associate her with your childhood, having imitated the Star Wars heroes so often and knowing the lines by heart.
The death of the star in question reminds us of good (or not so good) memories that we lived through and makes us realize that those days are gone.
A similarity to the death of a loved one
Sometimes the circumstances or causes of a celebrity’s death can remind us of the death of a loved one. For example, when Patrick Bourgeois, the lead singer of the BB’s, died of colon cancer, people who liked the group and who also lost a loved one to the disease probably felt some grief.
It is normal for the death of a public figure to reopen a wound that was thought to be healed when the causes are similar. In that case, it is healthy to talk about it in order to express the emotions that we feel.
Quebec celebrities who passed away in 2022
In 2022, as every year, we had to say good-bye to many Quebec celebrities who left their mark on us and to whom we had become attached. Among others, we think of Jean Lapointe, who left us a legacy of his songs, his contribution to the fight against drug addiction, his humour and his kindness.
We also said good-bye to two great field hockey legends—Guy Lafleur and Mike Bossy. So many young people applauded their prowess on the ice, donned a #10 or #22 jersey and were inspired by their accomplishments to excel on the ice!
As we usher in the New Year, let’s take a moment to remember all the celebrities who have passed on and left a piece of themselves in our hearts.
Sources :
https://uda.ca/in-memoriam#:~:text=DE%20H%C3%8ATRE%2C%20Marcel%20le%2011,l’%C3%A4ge%20de%2095%20ans
READ MOREKeeping the Ashes of a Deceased Loved One at Home
Among families who choose cremation, we notice that it is more and more common to see one of the loved ones take home the urn containing the ashes of the deceased. This practice, which is permitted in Quebec (there is no law governing the disposal of ashes), has its pros and cons. Here is a brief look at the good and the not-so-good aspects.
The advantages
A transition during the mourning period
Having the urn at home can help loved ones gradually get used to the absence of the deceased, which sometimes causes a lot of distress in everyday life, especially if the deceased lived in the same household or if the death was sudden. After the funeral ceremony or when the first stages of mourning have passed, the urn may be returned to the columbarium or buried, depending on the wishes of the deceased or the family.
In addition, the nearness of the urn helps express personal little secrets and emotions during this difficult period, especially for children. This ensures a serene transition, at one’s own pace.
A decorative object
Far from the austere containers of yesteryear, modern urns come in a variety of models, materials and colours, so they can often be thought of as decorative objects. They are therefore unlikely to create any discomfort for visitors.
If the urns are too large for the space available, you can opt for a reliquary, which is more discreet and unobtrusive.
A personalized place for contemplation
When the urn is kept at home, a personalized altar can be set up to make it a place for contemplation—for example by placing photos, objects that the deceased loved or jewellery that the deceased wore. This type of arrangement in a secluded area has the advantage of limiting the damage caused by children’s comings and goings.
The disadvantages
Discomfort with the presence of ashes
Not everyone is comfortable with the presence of a deceased person’s ashes at home. This can cause nightmares, especially for children, whose understanding of death is still unclear. It is important to ensure that the entire household agrees to accept the ashes.
Extending the grieving process
Some people who are more affected by the death of a loved one may have a somewhat all-too-close relationship with the urn, even going so far as to consider it a living person. This then prevents them from progressing in their grieving process and prolongs it. In such cases, support from a professional can help them gradually detach themselves from the urn.
Lack of a place for contemplation
Keeping the urn at home deprives the deceased’s other family and friends of a place for contemplation. Many of the deceased’s friends may feel the need to speak to the deceased at important times, and they may not feel comfortable asking permission from the urn’s keeper to come and visit.
Risk of breakage or theft
In rare cases, the urn may be broken or damaged in a disaster, or stolen by unscrupulous individuals who then resell it. Storage in a columbarium is therefore ideal to avoid such an unfortunate situation.
Sources
(in French)
https://www.fcfq.coop/chroniques/choisir-apporter-les-cendres-avec-soi-2844/
https://www.gfournier.com/nouvelle?type=4&page=1&id=3071
(in English)
https://store.eirene.ca/blogs/resource-centre/ideas-for-keeping-cremated-remains-at-home
https://www.joincake.com/blog/keeping-cremated-remains-at-home/
https://beyond.life/help-centre/arranging-a-funeral/keeping-ashes-in-the-house/
READ MOREDonate Your Family Archives to a Historical Society
As you sort through your loved one’s belongings, you’re likely to find old black-and-white photos, yellowed birth certificates, announcements or diplomas from the turn of the century. Some boxes of memorabilia contain priceless treasures, but you worry that your closet is not the ideal place to store these treasures from another era.
To remedy this situation, did you know that Quebec historical and genealogical societies can process and store your private archives, free of charge? An archives depository is the ideal solution for preserving these precious family documents that testify to the family, professional and love life of our family members. Historical societies’ archive service includes secure facilities that reduce the negative effects of time and limit the loss of documents.
Definition of an archive
An archival document is a record of what a person or organization did during their lifetime. These document archives can be photos, negatives, slides, postcards, audio tapes (VHS, CDs or DVDs), letters, deeds (such as a bill of sale or a will), drawings, plans, manuscripts, etc.
These documents are essential to understand the history of a region, to better grasp the contribution of its citizens to its development and to define the way of life of an era. With this in mind, archival societies acquire documents in order to safeguard the heritage of their territory, support historical research and facilitate access to heritage and its dissemination. In this way, archives may be consulted by the public, usually for a fee.
Donate your archives
Would you like to donate your family archives to a historical and genealogical society? There are some in every region. The Fédération québécoise des sociétés de généalogie website lists most of these organizations in the province and offers a search tool to find the one closest to your home or to the person who owned the archives.
Societies generally accept all eligible donations and will work with you to determine the terms of access in a “donation agreement”. The archives will be stored according to a strict classification system, in a room that will protect the documents from fire and water damage.
Tips for storing your archives
If you want to keep your personal archives at home, here are some tips to protect them from damage for many years to come.
- Carefully unfold the documents and store them in a binder or cardboard box. If you have large documents, roll them up.
- Avoid using paper clips and staples to keep documents together.
- To identify the back of a document with the date, place and occasion, use a lead pencil.
- Organize your documents by type, then chronologically, and make a list of the documents you have, updating it regularly.
- Store your documents in a dry place, away from light, dust and rodents.
- Scan your photos and documents to make it easier to preserve them and share them with your loved ones. Some archival companies provide scanners or offer a scanning service for the public.
Regardless of how you choose to preserve your personal archives, it is important that your wishes be respected as well as those of the deceased, if applicable. To ensure that your private papers are archived as you wish, you could also include a clause in your will to that effect.
Sources :
https://shghl.ca/trucs-de-conservation/
https://histoiregenealogie.ca/centre-archives/
https://shgmi.ca/centre-darchives/
https://www.federationgenealogie.com/fr/
The Great Peace-Makers
The word ”peace” has many meanings. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it can mean, among other things, “a state or period of mutual concord between governments”, “a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity”, “freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions” or “a state of tranquility or quiet in a place”.
Regardless of which meaning is given to it, the preservation of peace makes it possible to maintain a well-functioning community, pave the way for prosperity and bring hope to people.
Nobel Peace Prize
It is no wonder that many people from all eras have fought for world peace and made it their life mission. To honour their contribution to humanity, the Nobel Peace Prize was established in 1901 and has been awarded almost every year, except in 1917, 1944 and 1945, when there were world wars and no single, unanimous candidate.
Martin Luther King Jr. is surely one of the most famous recipients of this award, which was presented to him in 1964 for his non-violent advocacy for civil rights, particularly with regard to racial segregation.
Mother Teresa, another well-known figure, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her charitable work with the poor and for educating street children in Calcutta, India. As for Nelson Mandela, he was awarded the prize in 1993 for his work to end the apartheid regime and lay the foundations for democracy in South Africa.
More recently, in 2009, former U.S. President Barack Obama received this honour for his efforts in strengthening international diplomacy, while this prize was bestowed upon Malala Yousafzai for her fight against the repression of children and their right to education.
The symbols of peace
One of the most famous peace signs is probably the circle with a horizontal bar and an upside-down V-shape. It was originally created in 1958 by opponents of nuclear weapons, with the two arms corresponding to the letter N in the British semaphore code and the central bar to a D, for “nuclear disarmament”. The symbol was quickly adopted by the international community to embody peace, notably by the “peace and love” movement.
The white flag, which is particularly seen in cartoons featuring pirates, has been used as a symbol of peace or a request for peace talks for many years. Its use was confirmed in 1899 in the annex to the Hague Convention on the Laws and Customs of War, but its use is documented as early as 1625 in Grotius’ On The Law of War and Peace.
The dove holding an olive branch in its beak also embodies peace, and has done so since as far back as antiquity, since this symbolism is found in Greek mythology and the Bible. A dove or an olive branch is often found on urns and funeral monuments to indicate that we want the deceased to rest in peace.
As we can see, peace is of great importance in our lives and well-being. It is never taken for granted and should be cherished as a precious gift.
READ MOREHealth: The Effects of Heat Waves on the Human Body
Summer in Quebec brings its share of very hot weather and heat waves. As the years go by, our summers are becoming hotter and more humid, often causing problems for the population. The impact of such heat affects everyone, but especially the elderly, infants and children, people taking medication, the vulnerable, or those who work or exercise outdoors during heat waves. Find out how heat affects your body and how to protect yourself.
The human body
We call it a “heat wave” when the temperature and humidity levels exceed the seasonal norm for several days. Normal body temperature is 37° C or 98.6° F, so on days when it is over 25° degrees C, our bodies overheat. However, rest assured, the human body is well made, so our body’s mechanism for fighting heat is activated: blood flow increases and the body perspires. And sweating makes it possible for the heat to be released through evaporation and through the water evacuated from the body.
However, too much heat will affect the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, which can lead to certain minor or major problems: dehydration, exhaustion, sunstroke, heatstroke, serious illness or even death.
Heat stroke
Here are the symptoms to look for if you suspect heat stroke or sunstroke. Heat stroke is more serious and requires medical attention. When the symptoms are less severe, it is called sunstroke. In the case of one or more minor symptoms, take shelter in a cool, ventilated area, stay well hydrated and rest. You can even spray yourself with water to cool down.
- Headaches
- Staggering when you walk
- Intense thirst
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Deterioration of intellectual and physical abilities
- Fever over 40° C
- Accelerated pulse and breathing
- Drop in blood pressure
- Coma
Dehydration
Did you know that with age, the body sweats less and less? This is why older people are more likely to become dehydrated, because they don’t feel as thirsty as younger people do. Infants are also at risk, because they can’t express it. In addition, taking certain medications can also increase water loss or make dehydration worse. Similarly, excessive mineral loss can cause exhaustion.
It is then necessary to compensate for the loss of water and mineral salts with “home-made” rehydration solutions or those available at the pharmacy. If your urine is dark or you haven’t urinated in several hours, this is also a sign that you are low on water.
How can you protect yourself from the adverse effects of heat or dehydration?
- Drink water regularly.
- Avoid sugary drinks, coffee and alcohol.
- Eat enough and properly.
- Wear a hat or cap.
- Wet your body several times a day (pool, body of water, shower, etc.).
- Maintain a cool temperature in your home and ventilate as much as possible.
- Plan your outings and trips to avoid the hottest times of the day (around noon and early afternoon).
- If you don’t have access to air conditioning, take advantage of it by going out and doing your shopping, going to the movies or to the library in your neighbourhood. In short, visit places that have air conditioning.
- Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest times of the day.
- Wet your clothes or your head covering to keep cool.
If you think you are suffering from the heat and notice worrisome symptoms, call Info-Santé at 811 or contact your pharmacist or doctor.
READ MOREThe Family: Definition and Values
Big or small, nuclear (traditional), single-parent or blended, family is much more than a set of individuals living under the same roof. We can call it a natural social system with its own set of rules, characteristics and properties and a prescribed role for each of its members. The members of a family support one another in good times and bad, which is why it is important to take care of one another, regardless of each one’s stage of life.
Traditionally, we call “family” the related people living under the same roof, especially: father, mother and children. Some families are stimulating, warm and united, while others are colder and more boring; it all depends on these members and the climate that is established and prioritized. The term “family” is most commonly used to describe a blood relationship or a marriage, but for many years now, it has also been used to describe a group of individuals who have a strong bond of belonging to other members of a group. Understanding, communication, trust and love are all part of a family’s upbringing.
“Friends are a family whose members have been chosen.” – Alphonse Karr
The 5 human values of the family
In order to facilitate relationships and to respect the hierarchy or the role of each person within the household or group, five fundamental values are part of raising young and not so young people, making it possible to stick together, through thick and thin:
- Love: This is expressed through affectionate gestures between family members, shared warmth and good communication.
- Obedience: This means setting guidelines and limits. Obedience is primarily respect for the authority of the household and the rules. It is easier to develop good habits by example.
- Tolerance: This means accepting who we are and what others are, understanding the others with their strengths and weaknesses. This value is very important among people who live together.
- Respect: This involves avoiding hurting others. It is put into practice with tolerance, as we all have a limit that must not be overstepped by others. Respect is often explained by the old saying: ‘We don’t do to others what we wouldn’t like them to do to us!”
- Responsibility: This means being responsible to the rest of the family, looking after the others and following the concept of giving without necessarily expecting something in return.
Of course, these 5 core values are not the only ones. Honesty, empathy, forgiveness, self-sufficiency and belonging are all values that are important to instill in the family and especially in young children. Being part of a group or a whole that is bigger than oneself brings positivity and emotional well-being, just as humans are always more likely to connect with other individuals who share their values and their views. Humans are social beings and the family, whether biological or not, is their clan, always ready to support each other, regardless of the situation.
In short, when it comes to the death of a family member, it is the survivors who must look after making the arrangements and grieve together. It is often at this time that the family becomes close-knit or is torn apart. At Crématorium Montréal, we are used to helping families—even the most complex ones—with their funeral arrangements. We are here to help you. Contact us!
READ MORE8 Signs to Watch for When a Loved One is Dying
No one is really prepared for the death of a loved one, even when that person is ill. Disillusionment or hope? The human brain has a hard time adjusting to such a situation and the process has to be started over again each time. However, it is important to know the signs of death in order to prepare oneself mentally and physically. Crématorium Montreal sheds light on the signs to watch for when someone close to you is ill or at the end of life.
The downward slope
As death approaches, bodily and cognitive functions begin to slow down and sometimes become muddled. A number of changes can be observed, such as: deterioration in physical condition, psychological changes, loss of appetite and hydration, decrease in weight or body mass and change in breathing, to name a few.
The three phases
The last months of life can be broken down into 3 distinct phases:
- The pre-terminal phase – usually 1-3 months before death
- The terminal phase – usually 1-3 weeks before death
- Agony – a few days or hours before death.
Sometimes one of the phases can happen very quickly or even be skipped altogether and move on to the next. Each person is different and the process can be different as well, depending on the illness and its severity.
The 8 signs to look for in order to gradually prepare yourself
Withdrawal: The person may be more distant or indifferent to everything around them. He or she may be less interested in socializing with others, lose interest in favourite activities, and sometimes become agitated or irritable.
Drowsiness: As death approaches, the person may become more drowsy or sleepy and may be more difficult to wake up. He or she may even fall asleep while talking or show generalized signs of weakness.
Reduced food and drink intake: When the body slows down, the need for fluids and food decreases, making the person less hungry or thirsty. He or she may also have difficulty swallowing, so should not be forced to eat and drink as before.
Breathing changes: Breathing may decrease or speed up and be shallow. The person may also stop breathing momentarily for several seconds. Irregular breathing is a sign not to be ignored.
Loss of bladder or bowel control: Generalized weakness sometimes causes the pelvic muscles to relax, resulting in incontinence.
Skin changes: As death approaches, the skin may look paler, mottled or bluish, thinner and drier—a sign of fragility. Redness may also appear in the joints and the skin may feel colder.
Delirium: The person may not recognize loved ones, be confused about the day, the date or even the time. He or she may also experience hallucinations, which sometimes creates agitation or anxiety.
Temporary improvement: The last sign creates false hopes—the person’s condition often improves briefly before death. Also called a “moment of lucidity”, this allows the person to interact with loved ones and be more alert to his or her surroundings before the condition deteriorates again. This is often a time for good-byes.
In short, it’s perfectly normal to feel sad when dying loved ones become detached from us or when we see them deteriorate. But don’t take their reactions or behaviours personally. Cherish every moment spent with your dying loved ones in their final moments, providing solace, physical comfort, support and love. Remember, too, that hearing is the last sense to go, allowing ill or dying loved ones to hear you speak to them and reassure them.
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