Download - The Perfect Wisdom Web

Be Not Afraid DyingSometimes the distress of the dying is rooted in theworry that no one knows what they are going through –or that they are about to go. This fear may be presenteven in people who are surrounded by a large circle offriends or family members. To quote Final Gifts oncemore:Many dying people are lonely, not only because peopledon’t visit, but also because of what happens whenpeople do visit. Visitors may spend their time withthe person wrapped up in idle talk about the weather,sports, or politics. Perhaps because, consciously orunconsciously, it’s intended to do so, their chatter keepsthe dying person from being able to speak intimately.A dying person’s world shrinks, narrowing to a fewimportant relationships and the progress of his illness.When dying people aren’t allowed to talk about what’shappening to them, they become lonely, even amidloving, concerned people. They may feel isolated andabandoned, and in turn become resentful and angry.Small talk and humor have a place alongside prayers,of course; there is nothing more oppressive thanunnatural holiness. But far more significant thanwords are simple deeds of love: a cloth offered tocool a burning forehead, a hand reached out to steady1