Monday, May 19, 2008

Death & Dying... do we really understand it!

As I sit at my desk this wonderful day thinking to myself what I would like to talk about . Well I know that this is all going to come as a surprise but I wish to talk about Death & Dying.

Death is the cessation of connection between our mind and our body.
Intellectually we all know that one day we shall die, generally we are so reluctant to think of our death or the death of a love one, and we tend to live our lives as if we were going to be in this world forever. As a result the things of this world-such as material possessions, reputation, popularity, and the pleasures of the senses~~~ become of paramount importance, so we devote almost all our time and energy to obtaining them and engage in many negative actions for their sake.Are you aware that we are so preoccupied with the concerns of this life that there is little room in our mind for genuine spiritual practice.

When the time of death actually arrives we discover that by having ignored death all our life we are completely unprepared.
What is death? Death begins when the heart stops beating. Deprived of oxygen, a cascade of cellular death commences, beginning with brain cells and ending with skin cells. Death is a process rather than an event. Specifying the moment of death usually involves deciding on a point from which there can be no return.I love the easy way that I have heard and used myself when dealing with my dying patience saying our body is like a guesthouse and our mind like the guest: when we die our mind has to leave this body and enter the body of our next rebirth, like a guest leaving one guesthouse and traveling to another.


There are many signs of death when dealing with a dying love one:

Sleeping A person nearing death may stop talking or responding and begin sleeping more and more as his body changes how it uses energy. Always assume that he can hear, even if he seems unconscious and no longer communicates. Keep talking to him and touch him if touching provides comfort. This is truly important because they can hear you until the end.

Loss of Interest in Food and Fluids: As the body begins to shut down and loses its ability to process food and fluid,

Coolness: The patent's nose, ears, hands, arms, feet and legs may feel increasingly cool to the touch.

Rattling Sounds in the Lungs and ThroatRattling: sounds which can be quite loud, can occur when a person is taking fewer fluids and loses the ability to cough up secretions.

Bladder and Bowel Changes: The ill person may lose the ability to control urine and stool as the muscles in that area begin to relax.

Disorientation and Restlessness: A person nearing death may seem confused about the time or place.
Breathing Pattern Changes: Breathing patterns often change as the body continues to shut down. You may notice period of rapid, shallow breathing and many more signs..
But whatever you do remain calm don't allow them to think you are scared because it can sometimes affect them.

They will become worried about you....lets help them to enjoy the rest of there time here on earth. Set up some smoothing music for them , rub there hair and feet sometimes it helps to relax them. And last but not least ...talk to them every minute you get believe it or not they can hear everything you are saying to them.

Tell them how much you love them ..tell them about the good old days...tell them how you will tell your children or other love ones how great they where. Assure them that it's OK.People I say to everyone death will one day hit us all in one way or another. Hug & Kiss your family tell them how much you love them and for those that are dealing with a dying love one. Give them your all!!! For we never know when death will come a creeping.

This information is not intended to substitute or replace any medical physician... this is just my medical opinion as a nurse. Please always consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding medical treatment.

4 comments:

Chic Girl said...

Wow! Your post brought me back to sitting with my grandmother when she died. I'll never forget it. Thanks for this my dear.

The Diva's Hammer said...

So emotional....thank you Lisa...
And yes I agree with Beth...the memories....

White Iris Designs said...

This is not a topic that we ever want to discuss..but the reality of it is death completes the circle of life. It is as much a part of life as living. This was very helpful information.
Thank you for your insight.

Trina said...

Yes it is a scary thing, but we all must go one day. Wow an intresting post Lisa.