Male patient in his early 20: is your husband in medicine too?

Me: nope. He does other things

Him: is he a good husband?

Me: yes...he’s kind, supportive, funny. Everything I wanted.

Him: do you think I would have made a good husband for somebody? /thread

Me: of course

Him: why?

Me: well let’s see. You’re also kind, very funny...

Him: yes, and I’ve always tried to be nice to my girlfriend and treat her like she is special.

-silence-

Him: I’ve always wanted a family.

(I should add he has weeks to live)

Me: does she know?

Him: that I’m dying? — no.

Me: do you want her to know?

Him: I don’t want to see her cry.

-silence-

Him: sometimes I get sad because this isn’t fair. And angry, why me?

Me: it doesn’t feel fair.

Him: I’ve started praying again

Me: you’ve been praying?

Him: yes, its weird. Talking to God makes me feel better. I haven’t told anyone that.

Me: I’m glad you told me.

-smiles-

Him: do you think we would have been friends?

Me: under different circumstances? Sure.

Him: I think so too.

#palliativecare

Not certain why this conversation stuck with me as it did, but it feels good to share.

I used to get disappointed in myself when I would bring my feelings home with me, but recently I’ve been sitting with them more. Smiling and finding comfort in my experiences. It’s been lovely