Lessening fear at the end of life

WHY should someone suffer unnecessarily in terrible pain, without dignity and no hope of recovery, trapped in a body perhaps unable to move or to speak, or just in terrible pain?

In 1962 in the UK, my next-door neighbour was dying of cancer of the stomach. He was in terrible pain. One day the doctor came — it was obviously planned — and they shook hands and he thanked the doctor for all he had done for him. Then he was injected with a drug and he quietly slipped away. It was obvious that it was the kindness of the doctor that let my neighbour go.

Doctors have been doing this for many, many years, at least those who really are compassionate, caring and humane about their suffering patients.

It is time that death was discussed much more openly and that the fear of death be eradicated. What is the purpose of remaining on the planet, possibly causing a lot of worry and expense to the family, when there is no hope of recovery? It doesn’t make sense. Before anyone says “But it is murder”— I do not believe that. You know in your own soul when it is time or when you want to go.

Discussing and knowing and being open about death can only help people to pass over without fear — which in itself is a blessing. Fear of death must be overcome, and the sooner the better. — Guy Yates,

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