Reply #12: No one gets to bypass this stage. [View All]

[GoldenOldie]

Those who have been diagnosed with serious illness that will end their lives have also been given the opportunity to say and do those things that they might never have done. Being a cancer survivor and a member of a cancer support group, I have observed those that have chosen to face their illness by living and accomplishing daily goals helped them deal with their treatments and eased the pain and stress for their family and friends therefore they spent their time in laughter, work and just the plain old joy of living. I have been asked to be at many of the bedsides during the final hours and those that lived their lives to the fullest seemed to be the ones that made the easiest exit.

How many just go from day-to-day, never telling those closest to us, how much we love them and appreciate them. How many hold off on a dream, thinking we can wait until tomorrow, next year, or when the kids grow up. I have told my family that they should not sit around worrying about my agonizing death, because while they waste time worrying about me, anyone of us could be killed in a traffic accident or falling off a ladder. Elizabeth has been given the awful news and she along with her family has chosen the path she wants to take......support her and her family and wish them well.