Karen has wonderful support in this time of letting go and dying. When we visited her we stayed with mutual friends. Jonna is Karen's friend and her hospice doctor. Jonna's husband, Marcus, is also a physician. We were all together for several meals and the conversation sometimes turned to dying-not just Karen's dying but our dying also. As we shared honestly about our concerns, our fears, our wonderment at living and dying I was awed by the discussions. They were open, honest and clarified some of the "process of dying" issues for me...issues like DNR, nutrition, advanced directives. The discussions reinforced the need to have the paperwork in order---no matter what our age. None of us know when our time will come.
Though some of the nuts and bolts clarifications were helpful, the most profound feeling I have when I reflect on the weekend is this. What a gift it would be to have health care professionals like Jonna and Marcus to walk with us at the end of our lives. To have the strength of their compassion and their judgment,an assurance they know in their minds and hearts and spirit what our wishes are.
Can you take a few minutes today to consider the end of your life? Who do you have that you trust to be there for you? Who knows what your wishes are? It really is a gift to give your family that all "that" is in place, in writing.
Blessings-Penny
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