In the series “Behind the Horizon” people who are often confronted with death in their jobs have their say - today general practitioner and palliative medicine specialist Dr. Beatrix Heimrich.
Hohenpeißenberg
– What comes after death? Does life continue at all after the end of life? And if so, how? These questions have always concerned people of all cultures and religions. In Christianity, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is traditionally celebrated on Easter Sunday. The Bible records that Jesus then appeared to his disciples for 40 days - until the Ascension of Christ. The series “Behind the Horizon” features people who are often confronted with death in their jobs, like Dr. Beatrix Heimrich, who runs a family doctor's practice in Hohenpeißenberg, works as a palliative medicine specialist for “Palliahome” and often works in the hospice in Polling.
When was the last time you thought about death?
A few days ago I thought intensively about death because I was on duty at the hospice. A patient there said she was looking forward to what comes after death. Another told me how nice she thinks it is in the hospice, that she feels like she is in paradise. Nevertheless, she had decided to die that day or the next day at the latest. She died the day after the conversation.
How did you come to work on “Palliahome”?
I was there with all of my grandparents when they died. They were able to die peacefully at home – surrounded by their family. I wanted to make this dying in a familiar environment possible for the people in the district who want it for themselves - or to help make it possible. Finally, a good friend of mine came to the hospice in Polling, which is why I met Dr. I met Ulla Henning, who is the head doctor at the hospice. We founded “Palliahome” together. I've been there ever since.
Isn't it stressful to constantly be confronted with dying people and death?
No, I experience this activity as enriching. You come to existential issues when you're dying, I observe that regularly. And many people want to exchange ideas about God, death, dying and what comes after in their last days. There are no more taboos in this phase of life. The conversations are no longer about small things, but about existential matters. This is also enriching for me - and cleansing, for example when I get bogged down in little things again.
Do you often encounter sadness and despair in your work?
There is already this pain of saying goodbye. I observe this in relatives and in those who are terminally ill. It's just hard to say goodbye to life and the people you love. Otherwise, there is a lot more laughter in the hospice or with the patients at home than you would think. People who are at the end of their lives no longer know conventions. It's all a bit archaic.
Do you think everything ends with death?
No, I believe that things continue after death. And I believe that something good comes after we die. I believe that we have an eternal life in which we are united with God and the other people who are and were important to us. We came from God and we are going back to him.
How do you come to this belief?
I have seen many dying people look happy and relaxed in their last moments. In this very last phase of life one can often feel such calm and peace. Dead people usually look content and peaceful. That's why I think something good comes after death.
Why are you convinced that there is eternal life?
What convinces me are, on the one hand, the experiences in life where you have the feeling of infinite happiness for such a short time. On the other hand, the experiences with dying people. We experience that in their last hours or moments they are usually already concentrating on what is to come. I think to heaven. And I was also convinced by the reports from people who were already on the verge of death. Many people talk about a bright, warm light and a great sense of security. That's why I'm sure: we'll go to a happy eternity when we leave this life.
Has dealing with dying and death on a regular basis affected your attitude towards it?
Yes, accompanying the dying has strengthened my faith and it still does. The idea of forgiveness is such a great thing - especially in relation to the end of life. To find peace.
Has your view of life also changed?
Yes. Life becomes more valuable when you spend a lot of time thinking about death. You see it from a completely different perspective. Through many conversations with people who have reached the end of their lives, you become more grateful and appreciate what you have. At least I feel that way.
Before death lies dying. What does a good death mean to you?
I wish I could look back on my life with gratitude, be able to forgive and be forgiven myself. I also wish for time for an intimate and also critical and loving dialogue with God (Meister Eckhart) before my death.
Is a good, pain-free death more possible today than it was decades ago?
When it comes to pain, we are much, much further along today than we used to be. We have many more options to relieve pain. However, the painkillers often affect the ability to remain conscious and to experience the last period of awakening, which is what many dying people want. That's why the dosage is often the difficult thing.
Is there a book, a piece of music, a poem that has helped you in this context?
For me, the Bible has helpful and comforting things to offer. The Gospel of John says: “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” I also find a helpful saying in Isaiah in this context: “Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; You are mine."