DEATH: Just another passage
Death. It's such a harsh word to some... yet a welcoming word to others. To some death means an end to life - hence the harshness of the word. In a way, that's true. However, if you believe in the one who gave you life, then you will realize that death only symbolizes your entrance to your heavenly home... a home you can only dream about here on Earth.
I can't say I know what death is like or what it feels like. All I can say is what I have learned through watching my grandma. Over a week ago, her doctor came to the decision (along with family of course), that stopping her dialysis was the best choice. Her health was in such decline that it was not helping in the way it used to. She was given 3-4 days... and over a week later is still with us. On Aug. 9, she was transported from Kootenai Medical Center to LifeCare. My family (parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.), have been rotating shifts to be with her throughout the days and nights. It has not been easy for anyone, but no matter when or what causes the dying process, it is never easy. In some cases, loved ones are prepared and able to say their goodbyes to their loved ones... which can bring some solace to a death. But I can't really imagine what it's like for my father and his brothers and sisters to have to see (and hear) about their mom being sick, her health declining and to see her in such a different state then she was before. It's never easy for me to visit people in the hospital (especially when they are seriously ill), but I have to admit, if a loved one is dying, to visit at least once and let them know you care is a big deal. I don't have many memories of my grandma, but the ones I do have will always carry on. She was a strong, intelligent, loving woman. Despite raising five kids with little money, she did a great job. She is 91 years old and has lived a great life. Her last days (weeks, months, etc.), however, long it will be, she will be surrounded by family and friends and others who love her.
Death. It's not an end... it's a new beginning to a life we on Earth can only dream about until we reach that point. We all just need to learn from the "old and wise" and realize that life now is not just money, work and "getting ahead"... it's finding your true passion and striving to show love, faith and patience to those around us. Stop regretting the past - start striving to make a difference, not just for yourself, but for those you care about and especially for the children in your life. Life does not end, nor does the Earth stop revolving... it goes on. Life... goes on...
CHRISTINA McRAE
Coeur d'Alene