THE DAY HAS COME

I got good news and bad news. The statement if greatly over used. So let me say, I received positive news mixed in sadness. I talked with Janet’s grandson today. It was a solemn discussion that brought the mixed feelings.

It was probably two months ago when she and I had an extended discussion about the extensive use of tubes and machines and all the rest of paraphernalia they hooks us to just to keep the body pumping blood and the heart beating. I copied out an article a few days ago entitled “Americans are Treated, and Over treated, to Death” written by AP medical writer, Marilyn Marchione. It’s a five-page report, so I will only reprint the first illustration.

“The doctors finally let Rosaria Vandenberg go home.
For the first time in months, she was able to touch her 2-year-old daughter who had been afraid of the tubes and machines in the hospital. The little girl climbed up onto her mother's bed, surrounded by family photos, toys and the comfort of home. They shared one last tender moment together before Vandenberg slipped back into unconsciousness.
Vandenberg, 32, died the next day.”

Vandenberg endured two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation for an incurable brain tumor before dying. She was cut off from her daughter when she could have been home with her daughter near her.

“Americans increasingly are treated to death, spending more time in hospitals in their final days, trying last-ditch treatments that often buy only weeks of time and racking up bills that have made medical care a leading cause of bankruptcies.” And as Janet and I talked — abandon all quality of life.

Janet lost her balance entering on the bottom step of a bus. She fell over backwards and while falling, tried to protect her incredible cheesecake she was taking to a family gathering. Her body is badly bruised. The back of her head was split open requiring eight stitches. They were very concerned about possible swelling. The main drama is over. There is brain damage. Janet’s speech is slurred. They wanted to send her for therapy. How long would that take? That was unknown, but because she is 93 there was fear it cold be a very extended period of hard work.

Bless Janet. She said no. That was what we talked about and she has blessed the socks off me by her decision. There were complications. She would have to be hooked up to who knows what. Janet said she was tried. She no longer wanted to struggle. Some are saying, “She gave up.” She and I see it differently. Janet is ready to go home. She is looking forward to the future. Her future includes seeing Jesus and her husband. She finds that exciting.

She needs help and care. The damage she experienced is more sever than first noticed. She struggles to speak and follow conversations. The doctors wanted her to remain in the hospital. No, she would not do that. She is in the same hospice care facility where she volunteered for years. They will give her special care. She is resting comfortably and gathering her family and friends around to say goodbye. I am going to see her tomorrow. She is a wonderful lady. She had this important end of life discussion with her family some time ago. They all agreed with her decision to let go of her grip on this life and advance without passing go or collecting $200 right to her eternal reward. She is only being hydrated. She prefers to wait with those who love her gathered around. It will not be long now.

Plan to tell her how much I loved her, enjoyed her humor, appreciated our talks and will miss her cheesecakes and potato chip cookie’s. I may also ask if she has any in her freezer. I will tell her I will follow later and look forward to seeing her again and that it will not be long until she experiences total healing. No more pain, no more sorrow, no more struggle. She is indeed blessed. I am blessed to have known her.

Goodbye my dear friend. I’ll see you on the other side.