Life Lessons from a Hospital Chaplain: Embracing the Present

A hospital chaplain's job is not easy. It involves seeing people at their most vulnerable moments. For J. S. Park, this role brought a lot of anxiety at first. He saw many patients in critical condition and started thinking about his own mortality. This fear made him appreciate the small, everyday moments with his family. Over time, Park realized that talking about death can help people face their fears. He noticed that when people are scared, they often say things like, "Everything happens for a reason" or "It will be okay. " These comments can feel dismissive, but Park understands that they come from a place of fear. People are trying to cope with the idea of losing someone they love. When visiting a loved one who is dying, families often get shocked by the sounds of their loved one's breathing. It can sound like gasping, but it's just the body trying to get as much oxygen as possible. Park explains that the body fights back, even when it's time to let go. This can make families feel guilty, wondering if they should continue treatment.As people near the end of their lives, their bodies may look different. They might not be able to keep up with hygiene or exercise. This can be hard to see, but it's a natural part of the process. Park encourages families to say what they need to say, even if their loved one can't respond. He believes they might still hear and feel the love. Park also shares that everyone deals with grief differently. Instead of asking, "How are you doing? " it's better to offer specific help, like bringing dinner. This takes the burden off the person who is grieving. To think about death without obsessing over it, Park suggests making decisions about what you want for your own end-of-life care. This could include having family photos around or saying goodbye to a pet. These small choices can bring comfort and dignity.