At Least They Shoot Horses
Harry, in his mid-80's with full shock of white hair and still a spring in his step, asked if I had been to see Eunice? Of course I have. She is our oldest church member, having been a member for over 75 years. She is now in hospice care with life being measured in hours. She is unresponsive after a series of strokes. Uncomfortably I remember seeing her last night, eyes frozen with a half-open glint, mouth contorted open. This was a lady who took pride in her appearance, with a sharp wit and refreshingly frank demeanor. Standing at the foot of her bed and saying a quiet prayer, I remember briefly thinking that life should end with more dignity.
Harry said something that caught my attention. Usually he is muttering something about the bad economy and the fault of all those Republicans. Or, he's waxing grand about his offspring. But this time he was unusually somber. He has been friends with Eunice longer than I have been alive. And he will not go see her at the hospice.
"Preacher, she is lying there, just dying. She's getting no food or fluids. She'll die of dehydration."
I remain quiet. I think Harry is right. I have seen people linger for over a week in such a state. Seems, to me, we could do better.
"Preacher", continued Harry, "they ought to just give her a shot and put her out of her misery."
Were I her son or husband, with the deepest of abiding love, I think I would not regret making such a call.
08.04.08 (1:09 pm) [
edit]
posted by:
squirrelzone (
reply)
post date:
08.04.08 (10:21 am)
Care and compassion, isn't that what it's supposed to be at a hospital? I think the state of Oregon has at least this issue right where the doctors will follow the families request to end the pain and suffering.
posted by:
LadyG (
reply)
post date:
08.04.08 (10:52 am)
That is very sad PD, but the problem is some family members continue to have hope and won't give the doctors the ok to plug the plug. that happened recently when my BIL passed, my husband flew to Ga. to be with his sister.The only thing keeping him alive was the life supports and the Dr, encouraged the wife to let him go, as the machine was the only thing keeping him alive, she never did. God finally took him home.
posted by:
Tony (
reply)
post date:
08.04.08 (11:47 am)
I agree..we needd to take God's will out of the equation, and do what we think is right.
posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
08.04.08 (12:28 pm)
Personally, I wouldn't want to live in that state. Life can be cruel when the end is nigh.
posted by:
toztee (
reply)
post date:
08.04.08 (12:50 pm)
Have you filed your living will? Made it clear to spouse and children...to "let you go?"
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.04.08 (3:15 pm)
Reply to: Tony
Interesting reply, Tony. Let's see...
When does human life cease? When the heart stops beating? When brain waves cease? When the body can no longer function without artificial assistance?
God has gifted mankind with the knowledge and ability to alleviate suffering for the terminally ill. How is this knowledge best applied?
Interestingly (to me), assistance with the time of impending death has been a part of human history. There are even accounts in the Bible.
I'm still debating the issue, which is why I share this post. At this time I am not as convinced as you that assisted death is "...to take God's will out of the equation." Please elaborate further.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.04.08 (3:17 pm)
Reply to: toztee
I have! I just want them to be certain that I'm a goner at the time. I have personally seen situations when the decision is made too soon, or made unwisely. I do not want that to be my story.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
08.04.08 (3:33 pm)
I have an agreement with someone who cares about me. When and if I become (a) incompetent to make my own decisions and (b) I'm obviously just hanging on without the sort of life this person knows I'd still want to cling to, this person has my authority to do whatever is necessary to put me down like an old dog. However, I'd prefer at least the same sort of exit we try to give our lingering pets - which is to say, one that's as painless as possible. I'm not afraid of death in the least, but I'll certainly admit to not enjoying pain!
I think I mean that if, for instance, I'm to be shot, I'd prefer it to be up close and as direct a hit as my friend is capable of. If, as I'd hope would be the case, I'm to be drugged into a stupor and then given muscle relaxants or something similar, I do hope the initial stupor is sufficient to ensure I'm totally unconscious first - wuss that I am.
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
08.06.08 (4:43 pm)
This is an ongoing debate ~ has for years ~ and I don't think will ever be settled!
We hate to see a loved one suffer, period!
