My father, Adrien Langlois, had MAID on June 17, 2024 at 5 p.m. It was surreal and unsettling to have a scheduled date and time for death.

His passing was profoundly sad for me, yet at the same time beautiful and peaceful. He was at home, in his favourite chair. We played music, lit candles, held his hand. We all had a chance to ask and say the things we wanted to before he left. We helped him navigate the whole MAID process, while respecting and supporting him throughout.

He was a great Dad, Granddad (“Pépé”), teacher, coach, husband and friend. He was hardworking, loved to have fun and to make people laugh.

He lost his role as husband when our mother passed away in August 2021. He lost his partner, his purpose and a lot of his joy. For the next three years my three siblings and I kept him company and cared for him on a daily basis.

In July 2023 he was diagnosed with esophogeal cancer. He refused any further investigations, treatment or hospitalization. He chose instead to, as he said, “enjoy the time I have left.” He applied for and was approved for MAID in August 2023. He wasn’t ready for it immediately, but it was empowering for him to know he could choose to do it when his suffering outweighed his joy. Ten months later, that time arrived.

I retired from being an Intensive Care RN in September 2023. I’ve had a lot of experience in my career with death amd dying. Each death I was present for was a privelege and an honour. Death is such a sacred time.

When I learned of MFSS a couple of months after my father’s death, I knew immediately I wanted to be part of this wonderful network of people, supporting each other with shared experience.