October, 2004 - Create a Living Will
"Do you see that statue on the top of my bookcase?", the gray haired man in the wheelchair said, "I think of that carved wooden eagle as my spirit. My spirit is trapped inside my body. I live through my body. I fully intend to enjoy living in it - to eat the best food, to soak up the sunshine and savor all the love and affection I can give and get. But I also look forward to the day when my spirit will be liberated from this body and fly off like an eagle into the heavens. What a day that will be!"
"Now pastor, I want to show you my Living Will so you know what it says. It states that since I have a terminal illness - you know that I have MS - if any other medical crisis should arise I exercise my right to refuse medical treatment. Also, if I am unconscious or not in my right mind, my wife and family have the right to refuse medical treatment. By medical treatment, I mean the right to refuse all surgery, or medications except such pain killers as might be necessary to keep me comfortable. I refuse any ventilators, feeding tubes and IV's. Would you support my wife and family in making such a decision on my behalf?"
I looked at the man with a smile. "Yes, I would!"
Not every pastor would agree with me, but the truth is that modern medicines and medical technology can keep us alive long after we would have come to a natural end without them. I personally have known many persons who were kept alive for months, in a semi-conscious state, by ventilators and feeding tubes. I believe that it brings no glory to God to try and stay alive as long as possible regardless of the quality of life and the cost to oneself and one's family. Therefore, it is perfectly moral to refuse medical treatment and let things take their natural course.
It is very important that you have a Living Will and to discuss its provisions with your family. Not everyone in your family will respond positively and share your convictions. In a crisis, the hospital, nursing home and other family members might insist on instituting and continuing medical treatment. Therefore, make sure that the person you appoint as your "Medical Power Of Attorney" will carry out your wishes with strong determination.
It is not always comfortable to talk about death and dying; but remember that living well and dying well are both part of the art of Christian living.
Dr. Greene is an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ and a resident of Richmond, IN. He is also the author of
Benjamin's Dog Joseph, Feeling Better: The Wisdom of the Doc, You Can Feel Better: How to cope with chronic pain and physical disabilities, and co-author of Walking Free: the Nellie Zimmerman Story.
For further information about his books, please visit www.densmorereid.com
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