Sep 25 2006
Day/Week/Month from Heck
Life is good and God is faithful. What more can you say when things turn upside down?
For the past few weeks we’ve been dealing with a family member’s failing health. His lungs, already damaged beyond repair from progressive emphysema, are now growing more clogged with pneumonia. He was diagnosed as having had a series of small strokes that prevented him from swallowing properly. Now he is aspirating food particles into his lungs. The docs can treat the pneumonia, but it looks like a losing battle. His heart is weakened from a massive heart attack a few years ago.
I find myself reconsidering my opinion of Living Wills and other advance directives regarding end-of-life care. Thankfully he has current directives identifying the care he wanted - and didn’t want - when the time came.
But for now we continue taking him to the hospital when he has trouble breathing or other problems arise. Hospice services are available to provide palliative care. This would be treatment to minimize suffering and discomfort, but does nothing to actually remedy the condition. We haven’t determined whether or not we will go this route, but it’s on the table. One day soon he’ll likely have difficulty breathing. Do we give him pain relievers and warm blankets and close the door?
Thankfully God is there and He is good. How else could we make it through an ordeal such as this?
October 9th, 2006 at 07:35 am
How indeed can we make it. Thank God I haven’t had to go through this with my parents or anyone else I love. How to pray? Lord, take them now, because it’s far better to be with you. Or, Lord, we want them to be with us a little longer, so do what you will and let them stay a little longer. I pray that the Holy Spirit gives you strength and understanding during these difficult times, and that God’s grace and favor are showered upon your whole family. Be strong in the Lord, and the power of his might.