Lessons from the Dying | Marie-Jo Cleghorn | TEDxQueensU

After an extensive career working as a nurse, Marie-Jo has developed a passion for palliative care. By having an opportunity to work closer with the dying, Marie-Jo has been forced to look inwards and truly question if she knows herself. She discusses three lessons that have given her a unique perspective on why your words matter and how sometimes there is no tomorrow. Understanding why these aspects are important come from a willingness to ask the question “how am I living?”

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Marie-Jo moved to Kingston, Ontario when she was 6. She graduated from Queen’s University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She attained her Masters of Health Science degree while living in New Zealand.

Marie-Jo has worked across the spectrum of nursing from Community to Acute Care, from bedside to education based positions. While she has enjoyed almost every opportunity she has experienced, she considers Palliative Care her ‘home’. She believes it is a privilege to care for the dying, but more importantly, she has become a better person because of it.

[Rooster]

My wife died suddenly 2 days ago. I am feeling huge grief.
The more I think about it the more I understand that she is not gone.
She left behind the impact she had on others. She made me a better person.
She guided our children and grandchildren.
She had a positive impact on everyone she met.
"So long as someone remember us we still live"

[drymoonproperties]

I am completely blown away this woman has just helped me with my journey of dying.
I am dying a slow painful trying death but I refuse to let it change me as this journey continues I will show the people I love the brave man I am and love them dearly both here and the after! May God bless you all always!!

[toliveischrist]

No job will break your heart and also lift you up quite like hospice nursing. The willingness to be exposed to the pain and death on a daily basis is an act of love. Thanks isn’t enough❤️

[robertahubert]

Life is not a competition..what a beautiful statement if only more felt that way..our ego gets in the way of letting us grow.

[careaboutnature]

The reality is; we are all dying. The key take away is how we learn to live our life. Each day, one day at a time, to its fullest. This presentation is a learning experience for us.

[uncle]

My baby brother died suddenly when I was 11-years-old. Since then I have always sought to show my appreciation and love, as well as take more pictures, with my friends, loved ones, and silly strangers I meet along the way. I am now a cancer research associate and applying to medical school. I want to be a pediatric oncologist so that I can carry out research at the frontlines of pediatric disease/cancers. I want to transmute my love for my brother into hope for others.

[howisjason]

I've been watching lots of Ted Talks on the dying recently. I wanted to find some wisdom from the dying to learn how to live. This talk was by far the most profound to me. Thank you!

[rjsimpkins]

I have hospiced 3 friends in their homes and buried many more, including my firstborn. I know every word you speak to be true. Thanks for articulating and sharing this priceless wisdom.

[camman]

I lost my wife to cancer in 89
It made me angry and bitter at first
Then I realized in time it had taught me so much
That life is to short to worry about the little things
To have empathy for others
It was tough but I survived and gained so much from it

[sevenswords]

I had a heart attack and am sitting here in a ward with men in their 80s that are sick some are seeing birds on the floor and some are seeing children in the room.
They have one foot in the next world I'm praying for them and am privileged to meet them as they are beautiful people
IHOPE God is gentle with them when they go

[boem]

I'm a hospice nurse. This talk portrays what me and my colleagues are learning every day helping our patients and their families.

[kenbertolucci]

It’s a beautiful thing to see someone doing what they were called to do. Thank you for honoring your calling.

[jimscott]

An amazing, moving, potentially life-changing talk by a woman who has used experiencing death as a way to enrich life. Thank you, Marie-Jo.

[valmcadoo]

This is the most beautiful TED talk I have ever listened to. Absolutely brilliant. I’m in tears. Well done in every way

[swish]

For me, personally, this is the most AWESOME and helpful and soulful TEDx presentation that I've listened to thus far! Thank you.

[kathykay]

"Dying has a way of showing us what we most need to see.
This life is but a vapor that will one day cease to be." ~kk~

[bobv]

Marie-Jo Simply, Thank You for your precious insights and valued lifes lessons. You make a difference and inspire me to strive to follow. God bless you!

[mike_-]

In America we all feel like we are in a race to get to the next finish line of our goals.

I have talked to more than a few people who came here from other countries. They have said they never knew what depression was until they got here got a good job, a nice place to live, and all the toys they thought they needed.

Life is a rollers-coaster. Enjoy the ride.

[bossdeman]

Beautiful and comforting talk. My 19 year old niece died in April. She gave her all to her family..worried about everyone until she passed. Rest in peace Natalia Ghaddar. You will never be forgotten.

[jkth]

I nearly died on a few occasions as a child from a condition I was born with, I learnt these lessons at a young age and always felt different because of that, kinda too grown up for my age if you get that. I now work in a hospital as a medical secretary in oncology and I hope I bring my empathy with me. If you met me you'd think I was a 'messer' but I'm really a very spiritual/serious person.