These Are The Days To Remember the Good Times

New meaning has been added to "life is crazy" around here. I have been around people who are sick most of my adult life. First, working at a psychiatric hospital and then into the field of podiatry. Very rarely have I had to deal with end of life issues, except in my own family, where multiple family members died before the age of 50.

My beloved father-in-law is 95 and now we are working with hospice and the slow decline of this once magnanimous man, who spoke 7 or 8 languages, spent his career helping disabled children as a pediatrician, and promoting Independence and cultural awareness of his homeland, Belarus. Now the days are spent primarily in bed, being turned from one side to the other to prevent bed sores, and helping him up to do his necessary duties. Much of the communication has reverted back to his native Belarusian and my wife must be present most of the time to translate.

No one really likes to deal with death and dying, but we know in our hearts that if at all possible, we want him to go out with the dignity with which he has lived his life. We hold his hand. We keep him warm and we pray that he is not in pain or suffering. One day, when he was still able to sit on the couch, a couple of weeks ago, he awoke from a nap, looked at his daughter, and asked, "Am I still here?".

Yes, Tat, you are still here and in your own way, you will always be here with us. Your love and influence and grace will stay with us forever.