Saturday 11 July 2015

Prioritizing Occupations

When individuals are approaching the end of their life the occupations they choose to engage in take on a different significance. The dying experience heightens the meaning of occupational choices and occupation helps to facilitate a good dying experience (Jacques & Hasselkus, 2004). 
I could see this a lot with Paul as what would be considered everyday occupations took on greater meaning. 

19 August 2014 
“Fantastic that you just walked into my flat. It was special hanging up my shirts, punching holes in my belt, sharing slush puppies with me, driving me around”

The simple occupations between Paul and family members meant so much more as any time spent together was precious.

This is common for those approaching death:

“Many people at the end of life just want to spend time with loved ones” (B. Strevens, LOROS Hospice, personal communication, 15 June 2015).

The importance of this was also clear when all eight siblings went out for a meal together for the first time in seven years.

5 August 2014 
“Fantastic night. The Martins, all of us around a table sharing a meal. Unforgettable”

La Cour, Nordell & Josephsson (2009) report that the knowledge of approaching death gives  individuals a different focus in life that is experienced as enriching and also gives more time to be with family. This was definitely the case with Paul. As my younger brother lives in Australia and I am in New Zealand, the time that all siblings get together is extremely rare and only eventuated on this occasion due to Paul’s illness. 
Eight siblings out for a meal - 5 August 2014
Paul with his five brothers and two sisters after our meal

2 comments:

  1. This is very interesting and nice to know that this is how uncle Paul / people can feel. Probably also nice and special for other family members too. Priceless time x

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    1. Hi Lucy. Yes spending time with Paul was very precious and shows how even the simplest of occupations can be meaningful and special and should be facilitated as much as possible. Thank you for your comment.

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