It looks to be an interesting week for the old ward. Fletcher Norris went off dialysis 2 weeks ago and is certainly within a day or two of going to the great beyond. I was called on to give him a blessing to speed things along. His daughter wanted to do the right thing by having him come home to her house to die, but it is wearing on her as she watches the life ebb away.
Joe Peterson has decided his quality of life isn't worth extending anymore and is going off dialysis this week. I got a couple of calls this morning from other members (as news has leaked out of his decision) who wonder whether he is making the right decision or even if he might be doing something that is against God's plan. Its a tough dilemma? What is suicide? What does it mean when we state: "Do not recesitate"? Who gets to determine what quality of life is worth sustaining? It would be nice to make all those decisions early in life and take the burden off the children or spouse, but what I'm realizing is that the attitude about such things can change over time and maybe even daily. There are all sorts of issues involved and we have the chance to learn so many things by watching others.
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6 comments:
As medical technologies progress, it continually blurs the line of what is life and what is artificial life.
When I work with the folks at the home I have to remind myself that they were nothing like they are now when they were middle-aged. I'm sure if they knew what their lives would be like, they would opt out. You can't really blame them, especially because Fletch and Joe are both aware of what they are doing. Personally, I would only stay on dialysis until I had put all my affairs in order.
Fletcher died last night. I talked to Nick and Crystal today.
If medical intervention is the only thing keeping you alive, abstaining from it is not suicide.
Anyway, the mode of exit from life is not as important as becoming a disciple of Christ during said life.
Dad, this post is depressing. You need to write a new one.
Here is an official Church position on the issue
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