In “Vigil,” Julie Freedman's moving story, the physician-author mentions an "accidental gift" in reference to the coincidence of her presence for each of the three last hospital admissions in the life of Eleanor, an individual with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The “gift” is an opportunity to connect.

Dr. Freedman's empathy balances modern professionalism with shared intimacy. She practiced the “art” as well as the science of medicine. Dr. Freedman recognized morphine might enhance the loss of control Eleanor feared. Some individuals prefer lucidity at the end, even at the expense of pain. Dr. Freedman’s insight is the gift of experience she shared with Eleanor.

Eleanor shared her increasing frailty, progressive vulnerability and approaching mortality. She shared her humanity with dignity.

Giving defines us as individuals. Patients and healthcare professionals are obliged to share time together. Gifts of shared humanity transcend personal and professional obligations. These gifts might be hoped for but are neither expected nor routine.

Dr. Freedman acknowledges most of her patients are "strangers." Healthcare professionals drift in and out of end-of-life moments, often with only professionalism to mark the occasion. This was not always so. In former days there were fewer healthcare professionals and more opportunity or these shared intimacies. For those open to the opportunity, the richness of the experience is worthy.

Lane Robson graduated from the first medical class at the University of Calgary in 1973. He was Head of Pediatric Nephrology and Head of Pediatrics at several Universities and a full professor at Brown University. He served as a volunteer pediatrician in Haiti, Nicaragua and Sierra Leone. His books Do You Think You Will Ever Go Back is a collection of short stories that strives to understand human nature. His essay “Taking Off the Gloves” appears in the Spring 2021 Intima.