Dr. Marion pressed her stethoscope to Betti’s chest: “She’s gone. I will leave you with her. Knock on the door when you are ready for me to come back in.”
She had just ushered our dearly beloved 17 ½ year old dog Betti “over the rainbow bridge.” Betti passed peacefully and quietly, almost imperceptibly, with the loving hands of my son, sister and me stroking her, her sister Itsy nestled beside her. We whispered our love and gratitude for the years of joy that she had been, and reluctantly, knowing she was gone but not yet prepared to imagine our lives without her, knocked on the door. Dr. Marion returned.
I raised my face, tears flooding my cheeks and said with a deep sigh, my hand still resting on Betti’s motionless body: “I wish every creature on earth could pass this peacefully.”
“I consider this the highest honour of my profession,” she replied. “I am so grateful to be able to provide comfort and peaceful transition for the patient and family”
I had imagined that euthanasia must be the most troublesome thing a vet has to do, filled with dread and disdain. It raises ethical issues that each vet must personally deal with. I am sure it is very difficult. For us, the owners, the decision is agonising – we want an end to the suffering, but we don’t want our pet to leave us. Yet, the entire experience was actually beautiful, from the dimly lit room into which we were ushered, the warm, soft blanket covering the stainless steel examining table on which we lay Betti, Dr.Marion’s factual description of the process and what we should expect, and the peace with which Betti slipped away. As we walked home, on that spring, almost summer day, the bright sun reminding us that life goes on, I pondered her statement, and asked myself:
What is the highest honour of one’s profession?
I posed the question to a coaching client a few days after. He is jobhunting and has taken some time off to deeply explore what type of organization he wants to work in, what his new position will look like and most importantly, who he is as a leader. “I never thought of it like that” he responded. The question is so profound that it is not easily answered: the mere asking of it moves you to a place of deep reflection about who you are and the work you do.
I reflect on my own profession, and on my clients. And I wonder:
What if we approached our work with honour?
Could it be a beautiful experience for our clients, our team members and all whom we serve?
What difference would it make to our lives?
Would we think of our work as something to be balanced with life (as in work-life balance) or would be know that work is one of the highest expressions of honour in our life?
Would our work perhaps, become a statement of joy?
Would we be grateful in every moment for the profession that we have chosen?
I read about and witness much toxicity, unhappiness, conflict and dysfunctionality in the workplace. It saddens me, as I deeply believe that work should be of great joy. Perhaps if people, leaders in particular, were clear on the highest honour of their profession, their job, their organization, indeed, their lives, work would be a source of happiness and joy.
Back to the vet – they have served us since we moved to Canada in 2009. Visiting is a pleasure. They are loving, kind, gentle and caring. The receptionists greet you warmly, with cheery smiles and lots of hugs for the doggies. There are follow-up calls after surgery to check on the patient, and reminders about appointments. No request is ever a problem and no question is ever left unanswered. And when a pet passes, a sympathy card arrives in the post within days. I believe there is a causal relationship between the clarity with which Dr. Marion expressed the highest honour of the profession, and the quality of service that EVERYONE there delivers, EVERY TIME.
I invite you to ponder these questions. Perhaps you will find great joy in your work and extend that joy to the day to day practice of leading your team and delighting your clients, even when the task is difficult.
Poignant question my dear Marguerite.
It’s a question worth reflecting on.
Thanks.
Thank you Dorothy. It sure is. Just thinking about it moves me to very deep places.
Gratefully and joyfully
Marguerite
The highest honour as an academic librarian…
To support learners, researchers, teaching staff and help facilitate success for students in courses/programmes/degrees, but much more: to usher them confidently into lifelong learning.
Thank you Karen. It is good to be this clear, particularly in your profession which has been pummelled by technological change. People wonder if libraries are dead, or dying, as everything one needs can be accessed from anywhere with a click or two. But your statement reminds us that there is more to libraries and your profession. Very noble indeed.
Gratefully and joyfully
Marguerite
A librarian at uni was able to inspire and help me in exactly this way too. Thanks Karen.
We would have a happier world if everyone reflected on, and answered that question Marguerite. Your vet reminded me of mine when I had to euthanize my Caesar because his heart was enlargening. My dog disliked men (I determined that after I brought him home from the shelter and observed his behavior among humans) but he LOVED his vet. I was allowed to stay with Caesar as long as I needed. I was so out of it in my suffering that the vet offered to drive me home!
I’m several months out from graduating with an EdD and have been reflecting on how I can best serve my profession and also feel fulfilled, and so your question resonated with me. I have decided to teach reading at the second grade level. One student at a time is how I’ll measure my success. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to see a child’s face light up with comprehension as they’re reading.
I’m sorry for the long post…I was just so excited about your question☺️
Dear Eve
Thanks for the lovely post – not too long at all. The highest honour – to teach a child to read! In doing so, you are giving each child the world – the ability to travel without leaving his/her chair, to meet and interact with characters from all walks of life and in the nooks and crannies of the world, to learn new and fascinating things. And you are giving the potential of a bright future! You will change many many lives.
Congrats already on the EdD – it’s a done deal Doc!!!
Gratefully and joyfully
Marguerite
I appreciate your insightful words Marguerite. You’ve shown me the breadth of it…more than I had even given thought. I appreciate even more your words “it’s a done deal Doc”. Thank you so much. Blessings always.
A librarian at uni was able to inspire and help me in exactly this way too. Thanks Karen.