Treat with dignity, a noble life
Mother Teresa went to be there for people dying on the streets of Calcutta. She picked them up and took them to her home with other nuns so they could die with dignity.
We can do that in our own special way. Let us visit together, you and I, and learn how we can comfort in these last days and hours of life. To comfort when there is hopelessness and isolation.
A cab driver in NYC asked what I did for a living and when I told him I teach others how to come to the bedside and care that life wind down with dignity and value. He was amazed that should be needed.
But in our countries, many of us have not seen death. Even the critically ill are not usually in our homes. So we do not know what to do or say to comfort through this process.
The cab driver went on to say, "In my country when people are ill of anything we stay with them until they are well, and if they are dying we do the same thing, we would never leave anyone who is ill or dying. And if they die we stay with the body until it is buried."
He was from a country in Africa. I was told similar things from people of Mexico. What are your thoughts?
I think it is a beautiful and respectful thing to do for those who have passed.
ReplyDeleteI really hope that someone stays with me when I die and as I die. So many people are afraid of not just their own death but death in general. It makes people uncomfortable to see just how easily life can be gone, or how painfully....I have been that person as well, not wanting to be near a family member who was dying of brain cancer because it scared me. How horrible of me! Now that I have cancer death is a very real possibility and it is unfortunately something that occupies my thoughts on too many occasions. I can only hope and pray that when my time comes someone will not be too afraid to be by my side holding my hand.
I very much appreciate your blog.
Peace, love, light, joy, and health
Laura
Dear Laura, I am saddened I had not opened your comment. I am still new to this and did not recognize a new comment ever so long ago. If you like here is my email, cassandrarn@yahoo.com. I would like very much to know how you are doing. Most all of us are fearful of another going through what your near family member went through. It is so difficult. And part of it for me is knowing what in the world to say, or do. Please, if you wish, let me know how you are doing. Cassandra
DeleteHello Laura and Cassandra, I am caring for my dad 24/7 who is dying from cancer and it is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. In our culture the family will take care of our own in their own home until the day they die. The departed is never left alone until their burial. We will accompany dad to the Funeral Parlour, dress him and bring him home (in his casket) where he will "lie in state" for three days - with family at his side at all times. It is a very spiritual time and helps with the grieving process immensely. I too have family members that are not comfortable coping with the dying process however the human spirit has this incredible ability to release all fear and "do what it has to do" to help your loved one feel loved, comfortable and keeping their dignity intact wherever possible. Dad has recently started to decline and has a huge fear of death however, reminding him that it "is OK" has reassured him that there should be nothing to be afraid of.
DeleteHi Rachele, I missed your posting for over 2 years. I am sad. I am deeply moved by your family, your father, and you. It is so relevant what you say. If you get this please let me know where you get the wisdom and understanding of what needs to be done through the dying/living process of letting go? And how to be there after with him until burial. I am told the old way of the Jews was as you speak. A cab driver in NYC told me it is that way in Mexico. Another said same way in his home country in Africa. It is the way of the heart isn't it.
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Hello, it has been 3 years since you posted, I am sorry I did not respond. I appreciate your important words of encouragement. Thank you. I have not fully understood how to post, sometimes I can and other times I get confused what to select, press, etc. In gratitude for your lovely posting, Cassandra
DeleteAs a nurse, I think death is an integral part of life. Do I want somebody with me as I die someday? I don't know. I do want Christ and He as said "I am with you always, even unto the end." That would be important.
ReplyDeleteI do think it helps the person standing by the side of a dying person, so yes, I would like others to be there with me if they want to be.
Dear Riverwatch, thanks for your dear message. It has been a long time since you posted I missed it until now. I apologize. I am deeply grateful for our Lord and Savior. Cassandra
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