to guide … to accompany …

Imperative 3
To guide but never lead.
We have great knowledge and must use it wisely. We are called by the dying to be their guides through this final passage. It is the height of arrogance to believe we can somehow lead them through the end of life, step-by-step. We are simply to be guides who provide a sage experience as they explore their final days. I teach all new hospice staff members that in working with the dying, what is not said is often far more important that what is said.

from Dr. Walter Hunter’s 12 Imperatives for Working with the Dying