When we suffer a loss, grief and heartache are natural responses. We mourn for our loved ones and in doing so, we can experience a wide range of emotions. Grief is often experienced in stages and with it come good days and bad days. The important thing to remember is that grief can be unpredictable, and what we feel and when we feel it is unique to each person.

Hospice and palliative care are similar but there are key differences in the purpose of each of these care practices. The goal of palliative care is to provide people with relief from the symptoms and side effects that accompany a chronic or life-threatening illness.

We are blessed to have our loved ones in our lives and while they are with us, it’s important to make the most of your time together. And although it can be a difficult time, a terminal illness offers you precious time to say “I love you,” to share appreciation and to make amends when necessary.