Uplifting experiences in caring for the dying I spent the month of November pursuing an elective in palliative care. Although I was surrounded by death and dying, the elective was not depressing and hopeless. This was because death was transformed in the palliative care setting: it was no longer seen as an enemy to be defeated, but rather viewed as the natural end of life. Hope was thereby redefined from living as long as possible to living a contented, meaningful life in the time one has left. I learned that treating physical, psychological, social and spiritual distress in a comprehensive manner is critical in helping people live their last days in peace and comfort, and to ease their journey to the next realm. I had a wonderful and enriching experience that allowed me to recall, renew and deepen my love for healing