A Lesson in Spirituality

ABSTRACT

Understanding spirituality during palliative care training is not easy. It slowly unravels itself when one starts caring for patients and meeting their caregivers. One such experience in the hospice has been described in this narrative. A person with advanced incurable cancer is initially in severe distress. Over time, he slowly comes to terms with the situation and eventually, a question from his illiterate wife—an insightful question about any last wish—brings out his desire to have certain religious rituals that were alien to his own religion. After his death, the family members concur with his last wish and also indulge in some religious rituals of their own choice. This story reaffirms that the essence of spirituality is the coexistence of harmony and humanity.

KEYWORDS :

• caregiver
• harmony
• humanity
• religion
• spiritual distress
• spirituality