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At Your Side
A Collection of Final Days
by
Gabriella Forbes
Take a closer look at the unpredictable world of elder care, and you will see people who cannot speak suddenly find their voices. They will not sit together but will happily sing together. They will not look at each other but share a prolonged hug after the meal is done. Take a closer look and you will see the beauty and the dignity of those in their final days. In these sixteen vignettes, Forbes moves beyond the clinical charts and first impressions. She stands, sits and squats at the side of her elderly charges, in their homes, in hospitals and everywhere in between. Blending her love of the elderly with that of writing, the author honours the intimate moments of humour and humanity that arise when caring for society’s sometimes forgotten treasures. Moving beyond the power of the vignettes, Forbes then brings together the threads of aging and humility as she seamlessly weaves in interviews, diverse sources and imagined lectures. These extra layers bring depth and understanding to what it means to age -- and to serve others. At Your Side: A Collection of Final Days offers valuable insights and reflections on lives lived and the impacts that anyone can have on others at any stage of life. It will appeal to anyone who has cared for others, who seeks to, or expects to do so in future.
In keeping with the core theme of humility, Gabriella Forbes prefers to keep a low profile, placing the experiences of her clients in the forefront. This wisdom and grace came from many years working with various ministries in the British Columbian and Canadian governments. Following her career in high-profile public relations and negotiation, Forbes pursued formal training and work as a caregiver, noting that the “lower” she moved on the career ladder, the happier she was. As Forbes continues to research and track humility, she incorporates it into her professional and personal life. Gabriella Forbes lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with her almost-adult son, and close to her daughter, her daughter’s partner, and their wonderful rescue dog.
Contributors
- Author
- Gabriella Forbes