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Not the ending we hoped for

Illustrated Story B50, with a text transcript.

This story includes death and grief.

Read story B50: Not the ending we hoped for (image and text)
Eight-panel illustrated story, Not the ending we hoped for. Bernard, an older white man, develops delirium during serious illness. Weeks of treatment and complications follow. His daughter shares visits and takes breaks. He deteriorates and dies, with comfort care continuing. Afterwards she worries about missed visits. A clinician explains that needing rest did not mean she failed him. She remembers her father before illness, while grief remains. Footer: After delirium and loss, families need support too.

This story includes death and grief.

A prolonged illness with delirium can leave families exhausted. After a death, some think repeatedly about the visits they missed or the things they wish they had said.

Needing sleep, work or help with visiting does not mean a family has failed. Questions about the illness and care deserve a response, including concerns that something was missed. Support may help, but people grieve for different lengths of time and do not have to feel better after one conversation.

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Story text

  1. Panel 1. Bernard develops delirium during a serious illness.

  2. Panel 2. Weeks pass, with treatment and further complications.

  3. Panel 3. Eliza shares visits and takes needed breaks.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: He is getting worse. I’m afraid he is dying.

  5. Panel 5. Care for comfort and distress continues.

  6. Panel 6. After his death.

    • Eliza: I keep thinking about the visits I missed.

  7. Panel 7.

    • Doctor: Needing rest did not mean you failed him.

  8. Panel 8. She remembers his life before the illness. Grief remains.

Bottom band. After delirium and loss, families need support too.

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