It's been a long day. Been with the friends who love R. as she carried out her decision to die. The papers were signed making it legal. She's been asking for death for a week. She's lucid. She has a Do Not Rescucitate, etc. She has reached her limit for treatment. She know's she's dying and it's only a matter of how she does it. She has chosen the qicker method of discontinuing treatment.
She was scared when they first unhooked the IV's and sounded like she might back out. We explained to her that her heart was not going to stop immediately. She could live for several more days. So she turned to me and said, "You're on." I grabbed my Bible and Book of Worship. We had the most beautiful service as we circled her bed and touched her. It was so meaningful, it is hard to put into words. We recited the ancient scripture, said the ancient prayers, sang an ancient hymn, and anointed her head with frankinsence and myrrh. There was comfort in using words that millions have said/sung before. We joined the eternal choir as we praised out God. We were in holy time. God's time. Celebrating and releasing R's life. It was an honor to be there with them, with God, at a most significant time in life.
When we finished, she turned to each of us and told us, "Goodbye," then settled down to go to sleep. She was at peace with her future and with her God.
That's the way to go.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment