Nurse Reveals Deathbed Regrets, Would You Have Any?

Nurses working in palliative care have a tough job, tending to those living their last hours. One nurse revealed what her patients regret the most in their last moments. Would you have any regrets if you died tomorrow?

Without a doubt, the end of a human life, especially when it is the result of a long illness such as cancer, is one of the saddest moments for the families left behind, and it also can be a moment full of regrets for those unfulfilled desires or needs.

Have you ever wondered what you will regret on your deathbed?

Nurse Bronnie Ware wrote a memoir — The Top Five Regrets Of The Dying — about her experiences dealing with terminally ill or dying patients:

“For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.”

For people on their deathbed, it’s a growing experience and a time for reflection on their lives and what was important to them. Sadly, for many, it may also be a time to regret things that were not done during happier times.

Ware lists five things her patients have regretted the most while on their deathbeds:

Regret of not living a life true to themselves

For many, living life is all about making others happy and not really focusing on their own happiness. This regret is the most common one for those on their deathbeds, says Ware. It is a matter of looking back and realizing how many dreams were not fulfilled because of choices made or not made.

Regret of working too hard

This one is a common regret, especially in men. Most of them feel badly for not having spent as much time with children and family as they should have. Ware says this regret came from every single male patient she cared for.

Regret of not having the courage to express feelings

Many of us do this as a way to keep the peace with others, and, as a result, suffer damage to our physical and emotional health. In reality, speaking honestly has a way of freeing a person. By speaking one’s mind, it may be possible to finally achieve a sense of true peace.

Regret of not staying in touch with friends

Most of the dying regret not staying in touch with good friends, who they miss when they find themselves living their last moments, looking back at the good old days. Stay in touch.

Regret of not making themselves happier

Pretending to be content and happy for fear of change is usually something those close to death regret most, and at that point, what others think of them does not matter at all.

Would you have any of these regrets if you were on your deathbed? Do you have other regrets?

[Image via Shuttrstock]