Living and Dying

This week one of our friends was put in hospice and died after a very long illness. I spent the week going back and forth to the hospital to be with his wife during this difficult time. One of my other friends posted on facebook this week that death is not necessarily all about the dying but the living who will be left behind. My friend was in a coma for several days before dying. Although we were there for him to hear us and for him not to die alone, we were mostly there for his wife. We spent time with her to support her during this difficult time.

The other observation I made this week is how many people did not come. I am guessing they felt uncomfortable, did not know what to say or feared being around death itself. We seem to want to neatly pack it away in hopes that it will never happen to us. When I was growing up, our Pastor used to say that we all had 100% chance of dying some day. Although it is sad for those who are left behind, for many like our friend it is the end of suffering here on this earth.

If someone is dying, remember there loved ones. Sometimes just sitting with them helps pass the time. If you don't know what to do just listen or reminisce about the dying person with the loved ones left behind. When my Grandma was dying in hospice many people came to tell us the wonderful ways that she had helped them over the years. Many of them even her children did not know. It was a wonderful way to celebrate her life.