Massage therapy and dying clients
My first massage client who was dying took me by complete surprise. I was working at a full service spa and the days were very busy. It was important to stay on schedule because your schedule affected the schedule or the next service as most people were there for more than one service.
My client was late. 20 minutes late for a 30 minute massage. So now I’m either giving up my lunch or making this client very upset by telling them their time was over before they arrived. I get the clipboard from the receptionist and scan it as I’m going to the serenity room where the client’s waited. There is hardly anything written on the intake form. Basic name and address stuff, nothing else. I walk into the room and look up from the clipboard. My eyes make contact with her’s and I take a sharp intake of air…. she’s dying, I say to myself. She’s young, very thin, and the look of death is plainly showing in her eyes.
I slow down and look deep in her eyes. “What can I do for you today?” I ask. “I’m dying,” she says softly. “I have to sleep in a recliner and I hurt so bad. I was hoping you could help.”
Time stopped and nothing else mattered. She got her full 30 minute massage that day. She came back a few more times over the next couple of weeks and reported it was helping her tremendously. She was able to lay in her bed comfortably.
Then she didn’t show up for an appointment. I called to check on her and yes, she was in the active stage of dying. The family thanked me for giving her comfort.
Over the Years I’ve had many more terminally ill clients show up. Ive served them to the best of my ability and am very grateful they allowed me to be part of their end of life journey.