Module summary

Conclusion

It made us feel good that we could honour her in this way. I believe it helped with my grieving.

No matter how they died, they are gone. And that’s where I struggle in my grief.

My life is forever changed. He was so happy that his suffering was ending, but I am left with navigating family life without him.

I was so grateful we knew the date my grandma had chosen. I live in another part of the country, and it meant I could be with the rest of my family when she died to support her and each other.

You may find some of what you have read or watched in this resource to be helpful, and some not. Remember that everyone is different. Do what works best for you. While it is common at first to focus on what has been lost, over time you may come to recognize that you have a different but continuing relationship with the person who died — one that is within you, or a symbolic one that is integrated into your life.

Asking for help and support is easier said than done, but the people who care about you want to help you. They are often looking for clues or permission from you to talk about what you are going through.

In review:

  • A medically assisted death can result in feelings and experiences that may not be the same as with other deaths.
  • Being prepared for someone’s death doesn’t mean that you won’t experience grief or that your grief will be lessened.
  • You’ll probably have many different, sometimes conflicting, feelings.
  • Your feelings may vary in intensity from day to day, or moment to moment. This is a normal part of grief.
  • It’s natural and normal to move in and out of your grief. Just because you have moments of distraction or not thinking about the person who died doesn’t mean you’re not grieving.
  • If you have children, take time to go through the resources for supporting grieving children and teens.
  • Pay attention to your physical health. Research has proven time and again the benefits of any kind of exercise. Move. Walk. Even if at first it is just to the end of the driveway and back.
  • You may find being in nature helpful. Try to spend some time outdoors in a place you find beautiful.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your healthcare provider, the MAiD team, or a grief counsellor.
  • Listen to your heart and do the things that work for you.

Know that your grief will change, and it will change you. Try to be as kind and as patient with yourself as you can.