A young male patient was brought to the emergency room with multiple injuries to his abdomen and chest. While surgical interventions and medical care stabilized his condition initially, he ultimately died due to failure of parenteral nutrition. When delivering the news of the patient's death to his loved ones, simply telling them to accept it or that they'll get used to it over time provides little comfort. The grieving process involves deep sorrow, isolation from friends and family, self-blame, regret over past words and actions, second-guessing of medical decisions, and feelings of guilt over normal human emotions like anger or moments of happiness. Providing spiritual care and a compassionate ear can help the bereaved work through these difficult emotions as part of

1. An Adjunct to Medical/Surgical Rounds: Grieving Ministry
Adeti m Sengupta, Harvard Medical School, Post Graduate Association Member, British Medical Journal
Fellow.
“ A Caring Church envisions:
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2(NRSV)
Case File 1:
A young male patient is brought to an emergency with multiple injuries in the abdomen and the chest,
the remaining history is under copyrighting.
Surgical Interventions and Medical Care did avert the emergency situation, but death did intervene on
failure of parenteral nutrition.
Accepting the Denial to Life Force,
“ I can’t believe he is dead.”
“You’ll get used to it. It just takes time.”
“ You have to accept the fact that He’s dead.”
The Cry of Grieving Heart
I am bowed down and brought very low;
All day long I go about mourning.
My back is filled with searing pain;
There is no health in my body.
I am feeble and utterly crushed;
I groan in anguish of heart.
All my longings lie open before you, O Lord;
My sighing is not hidden from you.
My heart pounds , my strength fails me;
Even the light has gone from my eyes.
My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds;
My neighbors stay far away…..

2. I have become like a man who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply.
Psalm 38:6-11, 14.
The Confession:
“I’m so sorry.”
The Aftermath:
“Some blamed themselves for somehow having caused or not prevented the death. Many deeply
regretted words they said or deeds they’d done while the person was still alive. Those who had to make
difficult medical choices for their loved one sometimes second- guessed their decisions. Many felt guilty
about certain feelings , such as anger, relief, apathy, or even moments of happiness or laughter.”
Excerpts from Kenneth C. Haugk, Journeying through Grief, Book 3, Finding Hope and Healing.
“ Hearts to Love and Hands to Serve.”~Blessed Mother Teresa.
Copyrighted 2015.