The Dying Process

"Doctors and other professionals who manage end-of-life care advise loved ones to take their cues from the dying and avoid projecting their own desires or needs onto the person. They also urge loved ones to continue speaking comfortingly to a dying person -- hearing may be one of the last things to go." Molly Edmonds

The subject of death is often something we avoid, and even though I know intellectually that we are dealing with a terminal illness, the reality of watching the declining process is very difficult.  In the last two weeks my spouse is exhibiting a significant decline in both physical and cognitive functioning.  Death is not imminent, but I am reminded that we are in that process.  According to the article cited above from science.howstuffworks.com, there is a predictable process as the body shuts down.  Appetite is lessened, skin may become mottled, beverage intake is decreased, and the body's systems start to shut down.  There is more sleeping.  According to experts in the dying process, it is important for us to honor this process and not force food or drink.  We also need to honor the person's way of dying, and to speak kindly even when the person does not seem aware.