We first became acquainted with Dr. Bruchman when she came to our home to help us determine the quality of life for our sweet boy Frode. He was almost 14, and had many health issues. But as Dr. Bruchman soon came to realize, Frode had such a zest for life and driving love for us, he wasn’t ready to let go yet.
During her initial visit Dr. Bruchman explained to us in a way that was very helpful to visualize, there are three zones in determining quality of life. Frode was at the end of the second zone, and we didn’t want him to enter into the end stages in the final zone. Our hearts wanted Frode to always be with us, but our heads knew we couldn’t allow him to suffer.
Over the course of the next few weeks Dr Bruchman came to our home fairly regularly as Frode’s challenges increased and we came closer to the end. She was gentle, patient, and generous with her time with Frode, my husband and myself. Dr. Bruchman was a great support for all of us.
She managed his dietary changes and his pain so he could continue being Frode as long as he could.
On Frode’s last day which was determined by Frode and his ever increasing health problems, Dr Bruchman again came to our home. Frode was surrounded by whispers of love and hugs and his siblings.
Our little family felt peace along with heartache in Frode’s transition, and we were loved and supported by Dr. Bruchman. She was a steady, loving presence for us on a day of deep loss.
Looking back on Frode’s last few weeks there is nothing we would have done differently. Dr. Bruchman provided the wisdom, guidance, patience, love, support , and time that has given us the peace we have today about our decisions in letting our precious little guy go.