'Caring for him at home was such a sad, challenging but rewarding and special time ... we wouldn't have wanted him to die anywhere else ... things improved after the syringe driver was started as he seemed more at ease and was not suffering anymore ... the twinkle returned to his eyes for a while ... it made such a positive difference and allowed us to carry on at home until the end.' These words from the family of a dying patient recently cared for by the author remind us of how special the care given at the end of life is.