Lighthouse in the Harbour

01/21/2026

There comes a moment in end - of- life care when Medecine steps back, and something far more human steps forward….
I want to share one of those unforgettable experiences .

We are standing in the patients final weeks….
And for just a minute , he forgot he was in end of life care , and on comfort measures only .
His face lit up in a way that said everything.

That day, his children and grandchildren entered his room carrying his final wish- a simple piece of cake, a small celebration for all the birthdays yet to come .
His one daughter quickly said”Absolutely, not, Dad! You are a diabetic!!”

She looked at me , searching my face, wanting reassurance that she was doing the right thing.
Instead , I gently reminded her of something very important.

As long as the cake was given safely - with no risk of choking- he could absolutely have it.
It would not change the outcome , and this small wish was bringing him much comfort.

He was dying.
He knew he was dying.
And this is what he wanted .

So if your person wants the cake - yes.
If your person wants the shot of rum - yes.
If your person wants the cigarette- yes.

At the end of life, comfort isn’t only about Medecine.
Yes- medications are important to keep people comfortable .
But this post is about the moments beyond the Medecine : joy, love, and honouring wishes at the end of life .
Comfort is both
Medical and human ❤️


that matter

01/20/2026

❤️❤️❤️

01/13/2026

❤️❤️❤️

When someone receives a terminal diagnosis, or begins to decline from age or illness, something devastating often happens quietly, beneath the surface: they begin to lose their autonomy. Suddenly, everyone around them is telling them what they should feel, how they should think, how to cope, how to fight, even how to die. Grief, hope, acceptance, these are deeply personal experiences, but they often get drowned out by well-meaning voices trying to make sense of it all. In the process, the person at the center of it, the one living it, is often silenced.

We must do better. We have to protect a person’s right to decide what this chapter of their life looks like, no matter how uncomfortable it makes us. Their words, their wishes, and their boundaries matter up until their very last breath. Even if their choices don’t align with what we would want, they are still theirs to make. Dying is not something we get to do for someone else. What we can do is honor them with our presence, our listening, and our unwavering respect.

This is why conversation matters, real conversation. Talk to the people you love about what’s most important to them. Ask them what they want, how they feel, and what they fear. Be the person who listens in a way that makes them feel heard. And when they tell you, don’t rush to fix it or change it, just hold it. Carry their words like something sacred. Because in the end, the greatest act of love might not be saving someone, it might be showing up exactly as they have asked you to, even when your heart wants something different.

xo
Gabby

My book "The Conversation" can guide you toward having this difficult conversation.
You can find it here: https://a.co/d/9TUHqwL

01/07/2026

12/22/2025

Dear Family and Friends:

As Christmas approaches, I wanted to take a moment to reach out and say “Thank you”.
This past year has been one of deep meaning, challenge, and tenderness.
Walking alongside someone at the end of life has reminded me how powerful kindness, patience, and presence can be.
The support - whether through messages , understanding, practical help, or quiet compassion-
Has meant more than I can properly express.
As we move into the Christmas season, I’m holding a lot of gratitude . Gratitude for connection, for love and for the people who have shown up in ways both big and small.

I wish you a Peaceful and Gentle Christmas , and I hope the coming year brings you moments of rest, comfort and hope .

With heartfelt thanks
MERRY CHRISTMAS
❤️

12/17/2025

An invitation to grieve your way. Take what you need from the season - and leave the rest .❤️‍🩹

The Holiday season is approaching and those grieving a loss may not want to celebrate. Or may want to change traditions, or hold on to old ones. Any way you choose to spend it is up to you.

12/08/2025

https://youtu.be/vIDoYSWCuzQ

In theatres Dec 12, and Netflix special Dec 24.
Goodbye June opens the door for conversations we need to be having- about family, forgiveness , and the courage it takes to give someone a meaningful goodbye .
❤️

The film takes place just before Christmas, when an unexpected turn in their mother’s health thrusts four adult siblings and their exasperating father into c...

12/03/2025

Honouring Sacred Pause

🕊️Some loving guidance for tender moments :
Be Gentle with Yourself .

One of the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned is:

✨We Don’t Need To Rush

When someone we love has just died- whether a family member or a dear friend - there is no need to panic or leap into action .
It’s natural to feel the urge to say, “I need to call the funeral home , I need to notify someone , I need to do something .”

What I like to share is : In these first quiet moments , nothing is required of you.
What matter most is your presence.
Sit with your loved one.
Breathe.
Let the moment unfold just as it is .
Give yourself permission to pause .

Your person has just crossed from living into death, and there is deep, almost indescribable sacredness in that transition. You have walked beside them through their journey, now allow yourself the space to begin absorbing what has happened .
Let your heart slowly settle into the truth of this moment .
No matter how prepared we think we are for someone’s final breath , we are never fully ready when it comes to.
There will be time later for decisions , for phone calls, and for the world to come crushing back in.
But this is not that time .

This is the time to honour your loved one .
This is the time to honour your own heart.
This is the time for gentleness 🤍.

“Take a deep breath, sit with your heart , and allow yourself this sacred pause . There is no need to rush; your love is already enough.”🕊️

❤️
Sandra

12/01/2025

Meaningful conversations don’t have to be perfect- they just have to come from the heart .

As we enter December , a reason of light and reflection. I invite you to take a quiet moment for yourself.
Your wishes, your way.
Your voice matters.
Your story is sacred.

This Christmas season , pause to think about what brings you comfort , joy, and peace- and how would you like your story to be remembered and carried forward.
A journal entry or a simple
“Life wish list” is a beautiful place to begin .
✨ May this season offer you peace, clarity and the gentle guidance your heart deserves .

11/24/2025

Truth ❤️

This is a common fear of families during the dying process, that morphine will hasten death. The patient's underlying illness and disease progression cause death, not the morphine. In fact, the drug will help improve the quality of life for patients by effectively managing pain and shortness of breath.