01
Ward vigil, unfulfilled wishes hidden in time
As nurses in the gynecology department of a cancer hospital, we shuttle between patient beds and treatment rooms every day, becoming accustomed to the fragility and resilience of life. We also understand that hospice care is not just about alleviating pain, but also about safeguarding the most tender wishes of patients. Aunt Fu, who has terminal cervical cancer, has undergone multiple surgeries and chemotherapy since 2025. Her long-term battle with the disease has left her physically and mentally exhausted. Now that she has entered the end-of-life stage, she spends most of her time drowsy and mentally foggy, finding it particularly difficult to respond even to simple questions.
The family members knew in their hearts that the old lady's time was running out, and the only thing she couldn't let go of was to accompany her beloved granddaughter on her birthday. The granddaughter, who was about to graduate from the sixth grade, was well aware of her grandmother's wish. Every Friday after school, she rushed to the hospital ward and stayed closely by her grandmother's side. The family members endured their grief and silently stayed together, hoping to fulfill the old lady's last wish and make the departure a little less regrettable.
Starlight in the Ward
02
Whisper softly, capturing the warmest moments of life
Upon learning of the family's wishes during her ward round, the head nurse immediately led us in a discreet plan, aiming to fulfill Aunt Fu's expectations in the most gentle manner. Without any grand decorations or noisy ceremonies, we gathered softly around the hospital bed and sang "Happy Birthday" together. The gentle melody flowed slowly through the quiet ward, gradually easing the heaviness and oppression before the departure.
Surprisingly and movingly, Aunt Fu, who had been in a daze, slowly opened her eyes. She lifted her hand with all her might and swayed gently to the rhythm, humming along with us in a weak voice. Every note was filled with her love and reluctance to part with her granddaughter. The little granddaughter, with red eyes, held her grandmother's hand tightly and sang softly along. The intertwined voices of the grandmother and granddaughter formed the most touching scene in the hospital room. We all held our breaths, stifling tears, quietly cherishing this fleeting and precious moment. When the song ended, the family members were already in tears, thanking us over and over again for bringing them the warmest comfort during their most helpless time.
03
Peaceful companionship, guarding the last tenderness of life
In the dead of night, Aunt Fu passed away in peace and serenity. This simple yet profoundly heartfelt birthday celebration was the last bit of warmth we could offer when we were powerless to reverse the illness. It made us understand more deeply that the significance of nursing lies not only in saving lives, but also in cherishing wishes with heart and comforting partings with love.
At the end of life, what we can do is to accompany, listen, fulfill, and provide warmth. A gentle blessing, a tender companionship, and a simple birthday song can all become indelible memories in the hearts of patients and their families. Letting farewells be free of regrets and letting warmth be the final footnote of life, this is our firmest original intention as nurses, and also the most precious significance of the nursing journey.
Authors: Shen Xiaochen, Zhang Xiaona
Editor: Zhang Huana
First instance: Huang Guifang
Second instance: Jiang Bei
Source: Hainan Cancer Hospital Nursing Official Account