Written by a nurse from BELhospice, our partner hospice in Serbia

“As a visiting nurse, I work in unique circumstances where every patient has their own story. This is the story of Mr. B.Z., a man whose final days were marked by both sorrow and dignity. Dignity in life and death is a fundamental right. As a visiting nurse, I have the privilege of helping to preserve that dignity.”

Mr. B.Z. was 78 years old and suffering from metastatic lung cancer. When I first entered his home, I was greeted by silence, broken only by the soft hum of the oxygen machine. His wife, exhausted but determined, was doing everything she could to help him. It was a modest home, filled with love and memories. Family photographs adorned the walls, while shelves overflowed with books and trinkets from times gone by, each telling its own story.

Mr. B.Z.’s condition was serious. The pain was intense, and his helplessness would sometimes make him irritable. My first task was to build trust. I sat beside him, carefully listening to his stories – how he once loved hiking in the mountains and how his family was his greatest pride. In those moments, the pain seemed to fade, even if only briefly.

Caring for him required daily visits. I provided medical advice and consulted with his doctor to ensure his pain was managed as effectively as possible. Beyond medical care, I focused on offering emotional support. We spoke about his fears but also about the joyful memories that brought him comfort.

His wife, despite her fatigue, was my strongest ally. With remarkable strength and love, she learned how to turn him, massage him gently, and assist with his hygiene. It wasn’t easy, but together, we did our best to ensure Mr. B.Z. never felt alone.

One morning, as I was preparing to visit, my phone rang. It was his wife, who softly told me that he had passed away during the night. He left peacefully, without pain, surrounded by love. At that moment, despite the sadness, I also felt a sense of relief – knowing that we had succeeded in providing him with the dignity that every person deserves.

This story is a reminder of why I do this job. It’s not just about caring for the body, but also for the soul. Sometimes, the greatest gift we can give to another person is simply our presence and support in their most difficult moments.