“‘Everybody knows they’re going to die, but nobody believes it. If we did, we would do things differently,’ Morrie said. ‘So we kid ourselves about death,’ I (Mitch) said. ‘Yes, but there’s a better approach. To know you’re going to die and be prepared for it at any time. That’s better. That way you can actually be more involved in your life while you’re living. . . Every day, have a little bird on your shoulder that asks, ‘Is today the day? Am I ready? Am I doing all I need to do? Am I being the person I want to be?... The truth is, Mitch, once you learn how to die, you learn how to live… Most of us walk around as if we’re sleepwalking. We really don’t experience the world fully because we’re half asleep, doing things we automatically think we have to do… Learn how to die, and you learn how to live.’”—Tuesdays with Morrie

It’s hard to say what can be considered more worrisome, death or dying. For many questioned, the greatest source of despair was not their impending demise, but instead, regret —  that they had not yet accomplished what they wanted to do, usually because of some fault of their own.

According to one Quora user in a forum on the subject, their patient had this to say about the sensation: “It is a bittersweet thing to know you are going to die soon. Bitter, because of everything that you wanted to do, but for one reason or another, you didn't. Bitter because there are burned bridges that can never be rebuilt. Sweet because you know the pain is going to end. The daily suffering is almost over. The emotional turmoil is getting close to being done. Sweet because the people that you were arguing with, you make up with. Sweet because whatever afterlife you believe in, or don't believe in, you know and can't wait to get there.”

Being given notice that your departure from this world will be sooner than you thought can bring a whole new perspective, as the legendary Morrie stated above. Not only does hospice care provide the physical support needed by those nearing the end of their lives, but the emotional support of those navigating the inner process of those who can see the finish line.

Most people don’t want to talk about hospice. For many, hearing the word “hospice” is equated with death — a concept that gives many the willies. Even though there shouldn’t be anything inherently disconcerting about death as it’s something we will all eventually experience, the fear and discomfort with the topic endures. While this is the case, fear and anxiety should not be correlated with hospice care.

While the death of patients is something that typically occurs in the process, hospice care is about making the most of the quality of the rest of our lives. If you one were to remove the cultural stigma and connotation of hospice as “the caretakers of the dying” and instead thought of it as “the comfort enhancers of the those very much alive,” who wouldn’t want hospice care at any stage of life? Hospice specialists are caretakers of the dying, yes, but they are not caretakers of the dead. Hospice workers are not angels of death. Instead, every hospice professional is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all of their patients much in the same way we care for the vulnerable of whom we cherish — no matter how far from death they appear.

In order to ensure the highest quality of care for our loved ones, it is high time we squashed the misconception that hospice is about death. Death is not the focus of hospice specialists, but instead the comfort and joy of the living. Hospice is not about defeat, but rather about relief from the struggle. Hospice is not about counting down to the moment of one’s demise but rather embracing the new chapter of living — which many have said is one of the most vibrant stages of their lives. Hospice care is not about sympathetic coddling, but rather about helping to navigate the feelings of experiences yet to be had. Hospice is not about death, but rather about enhanced living.