When my uncle was diagnosed with stage 5 liver cancer, he was given a very short prognosis or time left to survive. He tried agressive chemotherapy treatments, but they made him very sick and he was not able to tolerate the chemo. My uncle, my aunt (his wife) and my dad (my uncle's older brother) decided that hospice was the best option going forward since there was nothing else the doctor's could do to help him. Hospice was indeed the best decision possible. It gave us all the opportunity to spend precious time with him at home. He did not have to spend his last days in the hospital, hooked up to IVs and away from the solace of his home and being with family. His pain was more tolerable due to the palliative care provided by his hospice nurses and doctor. One day, while I was visiting my uncle, his hospice nurse was present and she gave me a little book on The Transition. The idea that death is only a transition into something new changed my entire perspective on the situation. I know that people have differing beliefs when it comes to death and what happens after we die, but understanding that the final stages of life, leading up to one's death, is only a transition into what is to come next, gave me so much comfort and allowed me to enjoy those final days with my uncle instead of being sad. We were able to say our goodbyes and experience that closure together, as a family. What a special gift to treasure and hold dear any time I think of my Uncle and celebrate his life in my memories.