until the end
I return every day
to see his face


I have a terminal patient for whom further medical intervention has become unrealistic. We have stopped all treatment for him, and he is entering his final days. When I and the other rehabilitation staff were stricken with this reality, it brought tears to our eyes.

At this point, he cannot speak, and is merely waiting for death to arrive. Even though we’re through with medical treatment, I decided I would still come every day to speak to him and provide physical comfort. Because he doesn’t have any relatives, he doesn’t get visitors. Even though he’s now unconscious at all times, he surely doesn’t want to die in solitude.

I will watch over him.

– Fujisaki Yukiyo
– English by Chay Schiller









最期まで毎日顔を見に行きます

さいご まで　まいにち かお を　み に いきます



これ以上治療はせずに、最期の時を迎えようとしている方がいます。
本人への負担が大きく、もう治療はしない。
事実を突き付けられ、私たちリハビリスタッフは涙しました。
ただ死を待つ物言わぬ患者さん。
治療はしなくても、毎日顔を見に行って声をかけたり、体に触れたりしようと決めました。
身寄りもないため、お見舞いの人もほとんどありません。
意識は無くても、孤独にしたくありません。
見守ります。