Originally posted by tim60 Jim, it is interesting reading your reflections on the situation. I have seen people who have taken that way before. They are generally the people who have lived a life that was satisfying to them, enjoyed many things, faced this and that, and have no substantial reasons for regrets.
Then there is the approach often shown in the media of 'fight', which does not make much sense since there is no opponent against who to fight.
Originally posted by Parallax Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas
No right or wrong .....no case is the same.
My Grandad...he was almost 98 and in good physical condition. Took no medications and still had a valid drivers license .His life was slow, but still very active .He enjoyed many things and was fond of trying varied good food on his daily runs to town.
Then he came down with a "summer cold" ...and it got worse. My Dad put him in the hospital and had him checked over completely. His condition appeared to be very good...his organs were all functioning perfectly and his mind was too. The cold subsided and he was fine.......excepting that he had stopped eating.....no appetite and would only "nibble".
Against my loud complaints, my Dad decided to have a feeding tube installed in my Grandad. It was more or less like he was a car my Dad had in the shop...he was never as close to or understood my Grandad as I did. My Grandad went along with it only because he thought it would mean he could go home. Just before the surgical procedure, my Dad told him he would have to go to a Nursing Home for a "few weeks".
i knew it then....and my Grandad told me..."Son, you know that will never happen." I gave him a big hug and said goodbye..because I knew it was. He came through the minor surgery without any problems and the Doc came out and told us how well it went. The Doc went back in to wrap things up and in a few minutes came out and with an ashen look on his face. told us my Grandad had "passed". All indicators were excellent.... blood pressure, heart rate, everything...until they just suddenly went flat.
The Doc was shocked and astounded ...as was my Dad. Me......not at all.
When life is gone, you let it go. You can be heroic, but you can't win. Your energy...what is left .....is best used in other directions. There is no shame in dying.....we all do it. There may be shame in letting your loved ones suffer with you needlessly. Prolonging the inevitable can be almost selfish. I will not do it. There will be no heroic efforts. I'm not sure I can "will myself' to let go like my Grandad did, but I do recall the prayer he prayed just before that surgery.......
These are not fun or lighthearted thoughts on a subject few want to face in a fun thread like this one. My apology, but you are my friends and I am here alone, so I guess I need to "vent' my feelings where I feel most comfortable.
I hope none of you have to face similar circumstances......getting run over by a truck has its advantage. However, if you do ....maybe this will give you some insight into what you will face....and how you will face it.
If you were in my shoes this morning, feeling my condition, misery, and uncertainty.....struggling to breathe and void of any energy or stamina...then you would know my intentions when I wish you a speedy and painless departure when your time comes.
Regards!