During the 15 years that have passed since I began my pediatric training, I have been involved in the care of dying children. Thankfully, this is not a regular part of my practice, and I can remember each of those children. Most were kids who succumbed to chronic disease that had slowly yet inexorably overwhelmed them: leukemia, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease. Sometimes, when nothing more could be done medically, all that remained was to sit by the bedside with the family and embrace the child as he passed away. Any child's death is tragic. Hardest to reconcile, though, are those ... Read More