Download - The Perfect Wisdom Web

Be Not Afraid Dyingthe environment of a hi-tech intensive care unitreassuring; for another, the maze of wires and IV linesand the constant bleeping of electronic monitors isso disruptive that it prevents sleep. Either way, it isvital to try to discern a dying person’s wishes and tocommunicate them to the attending physician, even ifthey go against our own gut feelings, and even at therisk of being misunderstood. Medical technology hasmade great advances in recent years, but beyond acertain point it may prolong dying, instead of extendinglife. The line between the two is often very fine.Naturally, a private setting is no guarantee of apeaceful death. When adult children who have not livedtogether for years gather at the home of a dying parent,they just as often clash as harmonize. And when willsand inheritances are involved, even carefully hiddentensions may explode into the open. All the more it isimportant that when we enter the room of someonewho is near death, we are aware of his need for peace,and respect it. It cannot be said strongly enough: adeathbed is no place to bring up old grievances. Nor isit the place to belatedly press for reconciliation.It is different if the dying person feels the need toresolve something, or if we can set something right byoffering a simple apology. According to hospice nurseMaggie Callanan, co-author of the book Final Gifts, theemotional needs of the dying are often more painful11