Friday, April 18, 2008

Advance Directive

I have one of these now.

It was interesting when the lawyer placed the document before me. Interesting as in a made me feel weird kind of way.

The last time I had worried with one was just before my mom died. We were updating things for my dad. He still was not diagnosed then. We thought he was being a little eccentric. He told us "you're trying to kill me." At first we didn't think he really meant it but then he became uncharacteristically angry and I remember sitting there trying to get my mind around what had just happened.

I chose the option that provides for no food and no water in case it is agreed I am dying and can't make any decisions for myself. My Judy didn't like that choice much and said so. Well, I didn't really like it either. She's my health care proxy. I hope she doesn't have to deal with the issue but if she does I think maybe having this document might help.

I do believe that "it is appointed for me to die once" as I read it in Hebrews 9:27. I think its best to leave the details up to The Lord. He's trustworthy.

Someone much younger that I know was talking the other day about wondering when they'd feel grown up. I've wondered that myself.

Having an advance directive is a pretty grown up thing.

9 comments:

~Betsy said...

Difficult choices made in advance - I think that's a good thing. Dave and I have one of these, too. It certainly does make one feel 'grown up'.

Thanks for sharing.

Lori1955 said...

I have had an advanced directive for a couple years now and I still don't feel grown up. Hmmm.

¸.•*´)ღ¸.•*´Chris said...

I have yet to get one drawn up. I have a tendency to fly by the seat of my pants with this stuff and I should have taken my queue from my Dad.

I will tell you that making your wishes known takes a huge burden off your LO's shoulders. Dad and I had many discussions about his wishes and even though he didn't have anything written down, when it came time to let him go, we were able to do so without second guessing ourselves. Doesn't make it any better, just a bit easier. Take care Terry. You did the right thing.

nancy said...

i guess you are all grown up. bob and i have talked with the boys about it but i know i need to get in officially down.

thanks for the reminder.....

rilera said...

I made out my advance directive shortly after Terri Schiavo was in the news. I didn't want my family suffer over any decisions.

~Betsy said...

Just checking in on you, Terry. Hope all is well.

¸.•*´)ღ¸.•*´Chris said...

Just checking in. Take care:)

Anonymous said...

Me too. I just stopped by to check in with you. Trust all is well on that new front porch of yours!

Annie said...

Today must be check in day, because I am doing the same thing. Hope you are well!