Posted under General & Marketing Massage for Special Populations & Massage for Elders
Those of us who touch the dying know what a profound experience it is– for the one we touch, and sometimes the family, and for ourselves. We bear witness to how our touch and presence truly makes a difference in the quality of life at life’s end. We have a story to tell. Our stories capture the essence of this powerful work and honor those whose lives have touched our own. Sharing our stories uplifts our intention and allows us to support one another. It also is a meaningful way to bring awareness to the role we can play in the care of those who are dying. So let’s share our stories! I believe they uplift us all. Here’s one of mine:
As a hospice volunteer, I saw a 47 y/o man  in his home for massage. Casey was a loving father and husband and a respected police officer.  He suffered from late stage ALS. Although he no longer could move his body, he still was able to speak with effort. He asked to have his massage in the evening to help him sleep through the night. So, when I arrived, he was already in bed, his beloved dog sitting at his side. One night while I was massaging his arm, he said , with great effort, something so profound that it has stayed with me ever since. He said, “When you massage me, it’s the only time I don’t feel like a sick person.” I have reflected on those words many times and I think I understand the meaning behind them. When Casey received my touch, he was only asked to receive. He didn’t have to struggle against the disease. I think he felt himself as whole again.Â
What stories do you have to tell?Â
Be Well,
Ann
Stein Henry on 18 Feb 2008 at 11:56 am #
There’s so much to be said for thought and perception. It’s becoming increasingly critical that in massage therapy, we formalize a discourse on the impact of thought and perception on physiology and anatomy. Implications for healing thereby are tremendous.
Patti Barnes on 28 Feb 2008 at 4:34 pm #
I volunteered with a group that provided compationate touch for terminally ill patients.
My client had ALS and was already in a wheel chair by the time I was able to work with her. She was a very beautiful person and so young.
I found out what she liked to do, and what she missed just talking with her during the massage. She told me she loved to go to the beach and collect sea shells, and also loved to listen to Dean Martin sing.
So during one of my visits I brought a bucket that was wide enough to hold sand and shells. She could put her hands in and collect the sea shells I put in there with some warm water. I also had an ocean CD playing in the background. She loved it, brought such a big smile to her face. I also brought a CD with Dean Martin and we had an evening out. She got to listen and also dance to Dean Martin.
When her condition got worse and she could only blink, I knew her well enough to make her laugh.
She was a great inspiration to me. I appreciated her strength inside. When times were bad, she always wanted to see me for her massage. It was so important for me to be there for her. She brought me just as much joy in life as her family told me I did for her in her last months.
I was able to spend about 9 months with her and wouldn’t have missed that opportunity to be there for her.
I believe once you lay your hands on a person, it is no longer about you, its about them and how are you going to help them, relax, take a breath or just give them a chance to be.