Visiting with Barry and Martha for a couple of days, after two and a half weeks away, I notice the adjustments which have been made. The queen sized bed has been replaced with two hospital beds - Barry's walker can now support his oxygen tank - Martha's medication has progressed to the convenience of a extended release morphine. There are two ways of viewing these changes: negatively or positively.
Negative - Martha's cancer is growing aggressively and her pain has increased. Martha's dying.
Positive - Martha is now more comfortable and not at risk of chasing pain relief. Martha's living.
Negative - Barry is quickly becoming progressively weaker. Barry's dying.
Positive - Barry has additional support which encourages his mobility. Barry's living.
One's negative/positive perspective may be the result of a simple belief; death is the end of life - or - death is part of life.
Profound!
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