The article contrasts the end-of-life experiences of Grandma Lilly, who suffers in ICU, with Grandpa Joe, who dies peacefully surrounded by loved ones, highlighting the choices in dying.
A woman’s terminal cancer diagnosis leads her to organize farewells with loved ones, ensuring her affairs are in order, resulting in what her family calls a “Good Death.”
Anne Bethune examines the concept of a “Ride or Die” in her end-of-life work, highlighting their unwavering support, patience, and sensitivity through a person’s final moments.
“Part of the experience of death is finding ways to accept what has happened, express what we are feeling, and find ways to move on. We, as adults, need to find ways to help our children to do this too.”
“I dislike the phrase, ‘They failed treatment.’ The amount of judgment within this phrase is damaging.”
“Once you come up with a few items that bring comfort and involve the senses, it becomes easier to construct an individualized plan to share with those who are near and dear to our hearts.”
“Whose wishes for his medical treatment were we to honor? Those of my father back when he was a healthy, highly functioning geneticist? Or those of the simpler, weakened man my father had become?”
“’Life is really very simple. But — it’s difficult to realize that.” This is one of the last things my teacher said before he passed. A lesson for the living, spoken by the dying.”
“I have the privilege to learn and hear interesting perspectives, along with all the questions and comments that our community members have, on the topics of death and dying. Here are a few insights I have gleaned from these discussions.”
“One of the most common questions asked by people considering ending their suffering is how to start the conversation with family members and friends.”