MATTERS OF LIFE AND DEATH

Patty's Aunt Mary died earlier this month. She was an interesting, eighty-something woman who lived a rich, full life. Until the end that is: the last six weeks of her life were in a sense, a nightmare. Throw in a unclear diagnosis, medical and nursing home staff, power of attorney, family tension and strife, and no clear communication and documentation from the patient and what do you have: a living (and dying) nightmare.

I'm pro-life and believe that a true pro-life position is like a seamless garment of life, valuing life from conception to death. This is a complex issue with no simplistic answers and Christ followers must grapple with matters of life and death in and with faith.

I'd encourage you to take a look at Julie Polter's article on "End of Life Ethics"

http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj0408&article=040841c

Take some time this week to speak with loved ones about matters of life and death. And do so prayerfully with sensitivity, to both the Spirit of God and to another as sisters and brothers in Christ.