Re:Everyone

[Guest guest]

When I read Abijann's post, it reminded me of this message I had saved, long

ago, regarding terminal illness. I think it is very poignant.

Hope it reflects, to you, a different meaning of " terminal " .

Hugs,

Sandy

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If someone you care about has been given a limited amount of time to live,

you may be reading this with a lump in your throat and an ache in your heart.

You may feel suspended in the dilemma of what to do, so much to do, so little

time to do it. If your loved one's pain is a concern, the issue may be how to

feel and act and help in these last days-the quality of life rather than the

quantity.

Whatever the circumstances, now is an opportunity to use the allotted days,

weeks or months. The best that is in you is the gift of life you can offer the

one you care about, and at the same time a gift you can give to yourself.

Working your way through

Terminal is a term used to describe the prognosis for one whose life

expectancy has been shortened by advanced age, serious illness, or injury. At

first

the word seems to indicate " the end of the line " . But terminal also indicates a

connecting point such as in an airport, a place where we arrive in order to

change direction, where we stop before proceeding to our final destination. Our

wish at the end of a line is to make that change of direction as smooth and

peaceful as possible for the one who is dying.

Treasure the present Moment

Do not assume your loved one wishes to get philosophical unless they so

indicate. Treasure the present moment, and don't " bury " the dying while they're

still alive.