Hope.

I’ve never seen hope as a problem. In fact, I welcome it, because hope is often the only thing that helps someone get through the uncertainty of dying. People hope for more time, for less pain, for one more good day. They hope to see someone they love again, to be remembered, to not be afraid. And none of that needs to be extinguished just because the body is declining.

It is never my intention to put out that spark of light in someone’s eyes. My role isn’t to correct or confront what they believe might still be possible. My role is to stand beside them, gently helping them prepare while still leaving room for their hope to breathe. Because hope changes shape, it doesn’t always vanish. And when we honor that shift, we give people space to be human.

So if you are holding out hope, I want you to know, that it is okay. It doesn’t mean you are in denial. It means you love deeply. And sometimes, love sounds like “I’m still hoping.”

xo

Gabby