So I have to admit that marriage has changed some of my habits. I watch TV more than before. Lost in a book, lost in a show (as long as the show is not Lost) is still lost. I guess you could say that Suzanne and I get lost together.
Last Thursday, we are watching this doctor show with a good ensemble cast, one of the docs is even a red-head. Well the one doc (with the scruffy beard-not the red-head) is all twisted in his own emotional knot due to the death of a patient. He felt he botched the procedure (I missed that episode or at least that scene). He withdraws into a lightly drunken pity-party (as opposed to a drunken stupor). As he draws more members of the medical profession into his arboreal refuge from the world, each doc tries to talk him out of the woods with stories of their own failures. Finally, the chief (no I do not remember his name--I am still a newbie at this) comes out and says something like "She died. We all do. That one is not on you."
The statement hit me. He is right, not matter what we all die. When even G-d took on humanity for a time, the end was clear and inevitable. Even G-d could not escape the fact of death. Yes, in facing death he was able to conquer it, but he still had to face death.
So as long as I am talking about death and doctors, a friend at work pointed out a study saying that religious people were more likely to receive advanced care in the last week of life. After reading the article, sounds to me like they really are not sure what is going on. One statement jumped out at me
Of all the gifts G-d has given us, I think common sense is near the top of the list. Clutching on to the last minute miracle instead of preparing for a peaceful passing seems like a waste of precious time. And, yes, I have lost family and friends to cancer. I watched from afar as family faced death courageously. Did I pray for a last minute miracle? Yes, of course I did. Was I willing for that last minute miracle to be a peaceful passing and a lasting testimony to G-d's love and grace. Yes.
Not sure how I go from Grey to Reality, but I am glad that my confidence is in G-d and that I am thankful for his servants of the white collar and the white coat.
Thanks be to G-d.
Last Thursday, we are watching this doctor show with a good ensemble cast, one of the docs is even a red-head. Well the one doc (with the scruffy beard-not the red-head) is all twisted in his own emotional knot due to the death of a patient. He felt he botched the procedure (I missed that episode or at least that scene). He withdraws into a lightly drunken pity-party (as opposed to a drunken stupor). As he draws more members of the medical profession into his arboreal refuge from the world, each doc tries to talk him out of the woods with stories of their own failures. Finally, the chief (no I do not remember his name--I am still a newbie at this) comes out and says something like "She died. We all do. That one is not on you."
The statement hit me. He is right, not matter what we all die. When even G-d took on humanity for a time, the end was clear and inevitable. Even G-d could not escape the fact of death. Yes, in facing death he was able to conquer it, but he still had to face death.
So as long as I am talking about death and doctors, a friend at work pointed out a study saying that religious people were more likely to receive advanced care in the last week of life. After reading the article, sounds to me like they really are not sure what is going on. One statement jumped out at me
But researchers say these patients may be less likely to believe their doctors when they are told there is no hope.
Of all the gifts G-d has given us, I think common sense is near the top of the list. Clutching on to the last minute miracle instead of preparing for a peaceful passing seems like a waste of precious time. And, yes, I have lost family and friends to cancer. I watched from afar as family faced death courageously. Did I pray for a last minute miracle? Yes, of course I did. Was I willing for that last minute miracle to be a peaceful passing and a lasting testimony to G-d's love and grace. Yes.
Not sure how I go from Grey to Reality, but I am glad that my confidence is in G-d and that I am thankful for his servants of the white collar and the white coat.
Thanks be to G-d.
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