Terminal illness
and fatal illness are now called “life-limiting illness.” That’s what a hospice
facility in Topeka calls it on its web page. In addition, “hospice” means hope, comfort and support at all times,”
according to the web page.
Well,
well, well. Where does the hope come in? Is it hope of heaven and better times
ahead? Does a nurse stroke one’s brow and murmur “There, there, Jesus is coming
to get you?”
Personally,
I’d rather get real and call it terminal illness. I’d rather the hospice nurse
would say, “You are going to die soon. We will try to ease your way into the
great beyond.” And I just hope it won't hurt too much.
What a
great experience death must be if one is allowed to die in peace or by
surprise. You’re here and then you are not. Back to before you were born, I
believe, but I’m a nut.
Our friend
Tim is in hospice care now, in the very facility whose web site I quote above. God help him.
Copyright
2013 by Shirley Domer
1 comment:
As a follow-up, Tim died shortly after I wrote this post. Last Sunday a group of his friends gathered here in Paradise to scatter some of his ashes in our little memorial where the ashes of other friends now reside. It's good to have part of Tim here with us.
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