The Wrong Order of Things

The Wrong Order of Things is a rare look inside the heart-wrenching but heart-warming world of children's palliative care, in both NHS hospitals and children's hospices, by renowned consultant Dr Michelle Hills. Thousands of children in the UK live with illnesses that will cause them to die in childhood. For these children and their families, life is exceptionally precious, and a special breed of medics help them live well and help them die well. Paediatric palliative care teams help them make the most of whatever time they have and provide a beacon of hope. Cambridge-educated consultant Dr Michelle Hills is one of these brave doctors, willing to take on an emotionally rigorous job few would be able to do. She has devoted her career to working in the field. Her debut book gives a rare insight into this rarely talked about world. The Wrong Order of Things is a collection of anonymised stories to touch the hearts of everyone. It is more than a lifeline to those who have experienced, or are currently experiencing, their own ordeal with a loved one and not just a vital insight to medics, carers and those dealing with other forms of loss or grief. This is about humanity and the magical power we all have to find strength, courage and little moments of happiness in the face of overwhelming adversity. A child dying before their parents feels like the wrong order of things. This book explores the often-difficult path families must navigate - the delicate tightrope between having hope and accepting reality. Michelle shares the emotional decisions families face and how to find light in the darkest of times. She demystifies what palliative care is. Through a series of anonymised composite real-life stories, the book covers the moments parents learn of a prognosis, sometimes at the point of an antenatal ultrasound scan, through to times when a child is taken off a ventilator, the moment a child takes their last breath, and beyond. Michelle describes tales of deeply challenging times as well as remarkable, tender, beautiful and at times funny moments. Perhaps most importantly she uncovers the lessons these children can teach each and every one of us about making the most of our uncertain lives and remembering and honouring those we have lost.