Editor:
There has been much talk about euthanasia, or ending the life of terminally ill patients prematurely.
In the last days, with my mother, I was astounded at how little we knew about the end-of-life experience.
We discovered that mom had stage 4 lung cancer, after a persistent cough continued for days. We spent five months going for chemo, and life looked bright again. However, by the sixth month, her cancer, suddenly, accelerated rapidly.
She went to the hospital and then to Laurel Place Hospice for her last days, which were very difficult for her.
My mother and I found solace through prayers. Also, I wrapped a rosary around her arm, and played the Christian radio station, which helped to soothe her.
Finally, she took her last breath, a quiet sigh, and passed away.
While sharing this experience with some friends, they asked me what alternative do we have, if the pain and suffering is so difficult.
I sat in silence for a moment, and quietly said, “When I am dying, I hope my children will sit, quietly, by my bed and just be there. I hope they will know, that I am still their mom, and not the body they are looking at.”
I feel so blessed to have a faith, which soothed our souls in mom’s last days.
I am also thankful for the kindness of the nurses and doctors in Peace Arch Hospital, the Fraser Health home nurses, Surrey Memorial cancer clinic, Surrey Memorial palliative unit, Laurel Place Hospice and the care workers from White Rock Harmony Health Care.
Amazing group of people!
Joyce Sadlowski, Surrey