Enduring torture every day just for a chance to survive a little while longer is not living at all. I need to get a living will in order. For the sake of my sons, I hope to go in relative short order, if not in a blaze of glory.
My brother and I are making decisions now on behalf of our 90 year-old Mother. Neither of us think she will last until Christmas. I do not want my sons agonizing over me about the best course of action the way we have. For my sons, it would be good to set them at peace with: I did the best I could, but I know I made mistakes. There are worse things than dying. I love you both, it’s time to go, see you down the road.
My parents shied away from dealing with the issue of death when it came to paperwork but told all of their children what they really wanted. No fuss, no machines.
My dad had a very short bout with Alzheimer's and died at home with our Mom holding his hand. My Mom still lived at their home and had a severe stroke last year. I was able to travel the 820 miles to get to her and she passed with my sister and I present six hours after I made it home. She waited for me.
I want to go while I am at home if at all possible. No mess. I hope God allows me that, He did for my parents and I really think it was because they were very good Christians and two of the most decent people I have ever had the honor to know. I hope I can be as good as them.