This past week a dear friend of mine died naturally of old age. She died the way we all should, at home, in the loving arms of the one who cherished her most. He did not shirk his duty and scuttle her off to an institution to be euthanized so he wouldn't have to deal with the misery and helplessness of watching a once vital, intelligent and extraordinary being slowly slipping away. He did the right thing, the brave and honorable thing. He participated in her death as he had participated in her life.
What a grand lesson we can learn from this. Instead of warehousing our old people in nursing homes, find a way to keep them where they belong, surrounded by familiar sights, smells, and objects. Do not unmercifully prolong their lives with technology and invasive procedures. Respect them enough to accompany them on their last adventure, the passage from life to the end of life.
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