To those moved: an invitation to walk the walk

[Patiod]

For those moved by the Schiavo story -- those called to do something{

My own call came while listening to "Talk of the Nation" on NPR several years ago -- they were discussing euthanasia, when a hospice nurse called in and reframed the question. She said that if Americans weren't so afraid of dying in pain, tied up to a mess of tubes with a bunch of doctors afraid to let them die naturally, there might not be such a push for euthanasia legislation.

If these issues have spoken to you, too, and you feel called to help, you may wish to investigate volunteering with your local hospice. It mostly involves simply being with patients while caregivers go to church, to a family event, or even to the hairdressers. No RN experience required.

Best thing I've ever done - far more important and rewarding than my paid work, which has taken me away from it for now (patients' families need to rely on you - you can't say "sorry I'm out of town all next week").

Many of the patients are unconscious, but many are not, and they're frightened to be alone. They're deeply appreciative of you just being there. Even for those who are unconscious, you are doing a great service for their caregiver. Sometimes your hour or two at the bedside is the ONLY chance the caregiver has to get out all week.

Anyway, just suggesting that folks who have been oved by these issues give it some thought (or prayer, if that's how you're wired).

[Eloriel]

1. That's a wonderful suggestion

Hospice is absolutely incredible, so valuable, and valuable also for those who volunteer.

[MuseRider]

2. There is nothing more rewarding

than helping someone die peacefully. It sounds morbid but it is really not. Good suggestion.

[wildflower]

3. Recommending; I think all should see this.

Thank you for posting it and for doing the valuable service you've done.

-wildflower

[InternalDialogue]

4. I'll be the fourth to recommend this post.

I've talked for the past year with my parents about hospice care and advance directives, and I have an uncle who just passed and an aunt who is nearing her death. Seeing how people change and what effects death has when it comes close to people, I have a better appreciation for how important and potentially beautiful and graceful death can be when we accord other people the chance to approach it with support and love.

[Old and In the Way]

5. The reason we starve people in their end days

is because the same fundies who moan about the evils of starvation, would scream bloody 'MURDER' if we used something like a morphine drip to hasten the process and make the ending more peaceful and comfortable for the dying. They are the ones who have forced medical ethics to choose a barbaric, passive method to let death occur.

[BeFree]

6. Yup, they are to blame

Far too many people have to suffer days upon days, because the righties insist on dragging out the inevitable demise of the frail human body.

I had a relative ask me to help them to the other side once, but I had to say no since it was against the laws.

We need better laws. We need laws that allow folks to pull their own plug or feeding tube. The only thing making so many people suffer longer than they need too are medical devices, not nature.

[Old and In the Way]

8. We have made fantastic advances in medical technology

in keeping people alive for many, many years....but our medical ethics for treating the inevitable are stunted by people who still think the Sun revolves around the Earth.

[Pithy Cherub]

7. What an extraordinary and wonderful post on this Easter Day.

It is especially touching because my family will have to make some choices in the future as well. Thank you. It gave me a happy place to think about helping someone else.

[Daphne08]

9. Great post. Americans seem to have a fear

of this subject.

Death is as natural as birth.