A gift, I heard.
These papers were a gift. It
looked like no gift I had ever seen. No
shiny ribbon, no fancy bow. Just papers. I flew closer as the family talked about this
gift. It was something their mother had
given to them, and it was called an Advance Directive.
The papers told her family that if she were at the end of
life, and the burden of treatment outweighed the benefit, their mother did not
want her life prolonged through artificial means. Mother had made it clear that she did not
wish to trade quality of life for quantity.
I sensed the relief of the doctor. This patient would be comfortable, and enjoy
some relatively good days with family.
She would watch her grandchildren play, see her garden burst forth in
the vivid colors of spring, and eat all the ice cream her heart desired!
I sensed the relief of the mother. No more hospital stays, no more
procedures. She was tired. She would be comfortable, and she was at
peace.
Mostly, I sensed the relief of her children, whose mother
had made her own decisions and ensured that her adult children would honor them. They did not need to guess her wishes. They were not filled with uncertainty or
guilt. They gladly filled their mother’s
remaining time with love, shared memories, and even laughter.
April 16th is National Healthcare Decisions
Day. Have you made yours? Click here for a free copy of the South
Carolina Health Power of Attorney. Make
your own healthcare decisions in case someday you are unable to speak on your
own behalf. And be sure to give your
family the gift of knowing your choices.
