I’ve read various essays and books about this ‘phenomenon’ over the past several years, and the story is basically the same: they let go, and quite quickly, relative to the rest of us (i.e., non-doctors).
I saw this firsthand, with my mom. You may or may not recall reading about it on my old weblog, but the story was simple: upon her diagnosis of terminal cancer, mom’s first and basic impulse was to accept it and concentrate on dying (that is, living fully with us until the end). Her second impulse was to confer with her younger brother, a physicia/brain surgeon. She basically wanted to know if her decision (not to “fight” the disease) was the right one. He concurred, quickly and with a profound sadness based on a lifetime of experience. It was the most touching, amazing thing I’ve ever been privileged to witness as far as engagement with a relative/sibling is concerned.
I seek to go the same way, when my time comes… if that time is stamped as “arrived” by an incurable disease.
It is the most humane way I know of to die. And to live to the last whispered breath.
I’ve read various essays and books about this ‘phenomenon’ over the past several years, and the story is basically the same: they let go, and quite quickly, relative to the rest of us (i.e., non-doctors).
I saw this firsthand, with my mom. You may or may not recall reading about it on my old weblog, but the story was simple: upon her diagnosis of terminal cancer, mom’s first and basic impulse was to accept it and concentrate on dying (that is, living fully with us until the end). Her second impulse was to confer with her younger brother, a physicia/brain surgeon. She basically wanted to know if her decision (not to “fight” the disease) was the right one. He concurred, quickly and with a profound sadness based on a lifetime of experience. It was the most touching, amazing thing I’ve ever been privileged to witness as far as engagement with a relative/sibling is concerned.
I seek to go the same way, when my time comes… if that time is stamped as “arrived” by an incurable disease.
It is the most humane way I know of to die. And to live to the last whispered breath.
If you’re interested, here’s a great resource: http://www.dyingwell.org