Terminal Illness

Terminal Illness

We all fear terminal illness. We hear of stories of both the young and old suddenly taken down on their path.

Could that be us? we fear. Will our lives fall to the ground without oour consent?

Fear not illness, but moments wasted. Fear the life you are waiting to live: the wine you are longing to drink, the breeze that does not glide across your face. Fear the beautiful sky you forgot to notice.

Fear the magnificent life you have within you that you have not appreciated.

Life silences the fear of death.

Kiss Your Life... 365 Reasons To Love Who You Are

By: Ann Mody Lewis Ph.D.

Reason: 28 Page: 46

Commentary:

Terminal Illnesses are dreaded words to hear. We assume they mean death; but with the intervention of modern medicine and the state of your health, death occurs less often. Aids was once a terminal illness; now it is categorized as a chronic illness needing on-going care. Many cancers, too, are not always terminal.

But we all dread the illness that takes us to death's door.
We ask ourselves:
What should I do?
How long should I fight?
How will my loved ones be affected?
What should I do before I die?

Many of the questions we face about our death are actually question that haunt us about our life. If we've spent our life hiding from the reality of death, we may have squandered preparation time, happy time, hopeful and relationship time. Terminal Illness, whether death is the end result or not, can be a conversion experience. It forces us to live differently, love consciously and forgive more generously. Knowledge of our fragility can be the wake-up call that ultimately matures us!

Inevitably we will die. If we take time to prepare, preparation could be a blessing for ourselves and those we love. What should we do, if we are faced with terminal illness? Here are some steps to consider:

We fear most what we understand least; so empower yourself with information about

  • your condition, so you can make informed decisions.
  • Many people will have an opinion about what you should do.
  • They can clutter your mind and make you anxious about following their advice.
  • DON'T fold! Take your time and stay in charge...
  • This is your last hurrah!

Plan for a good death.

  • Where do you want to die?
  • How do you want to be celebrated by your family and friends?
  • Do you want to write letters to those you love?
  • What about your estate? Have you done your legal work?

Talk openly about your death which will involve your grieving alone and

  • with those you will leave behind. Grieving before death will help you all prepare
  • for loss. This is called anticipatory grief.

Talk about your financial situation with someone you trust. Transfer accounts, prepare or update your will or trust.

  • Be kind to those who were meaningful in your life.
  • Give treasure to those you treasure, while you can share their joy and gratitude.

Letting the way you die reflect the way you have lived.
Let your death be a Carpe Diem which means: Seize the day or make every moment count.
Even your terminal moments.

Let it be said: “When the unthinkable happens, the lighthouse is hope.
Once we choose hope, everything is possible.” – Christopher Reeve

This unpopular topic is essential for our peace. Topic will include defining
terminal illness. Does our fear of illness contribute to a diagnosis?
How can illness be a conversion experience? How is being ready to die connected to loving to live?

Let's discuss the unthinkable, so we are ready to face the unbelievable.

Ann