WHO IS HOLDING THE PLUG?

I have been meeting with my new Texas attorney and going through the maze of forms which convey my end of life wishes.  WHO KNEW IT WAS SO COMPLICATED!!!




The combination of a Medical Directive, HIPAA authorization and Medical POA AND the trump card of Advance Directives is all you need to ensure your wishes are known and followed in the final days of life here on this earth.  And you also might need a huge briefcase to drag all those forms around with you.  The doctor will be too busy plowing through the barrage of forms to begin treatment--in case you have so directed.  It is an absolute maze!




When talking all this over with Dr. SIL, he informed me I should have it in writing what my end of life decisions are.  He also told me "I would have no trouble pulling the plug on you, but your daughter might."  WELL NOW----I have a hangnail and he is insisting upon not only turning the machines off, but unplugging them as well.  COMFORTING!


It is a act of kindness to make all your wishes known--in writing--so your loved ones do not get caught in the emotional whirlwind of making the decision for you.  The absence of a spouse leaves your children as the decision makers.  AND unless you have given one of them your Medical POA and Medical Directive, they must all agree and sign the forms.   A difficult decision under the best of circumstances--but without the permission and directive of the patient---a moment which could leave you second guessing for the rest of your days.

We all feel differently about the end of our earthly days.  Some want to be hooked up to any and all machines until mushrooms sprout from their ears.  Others have no desire to be kept alive at all costs--but look forward to eternity with Jesus.  Whatever your feelings---make them known---it is a fact that --WE DO NOT GET OUT OF THIS ALIVE! 



 A man’s days are numbered. You know the number of his months. He cannot live longer than the time You have set.  
Job 14:5




9 comments

  1. We hate all this stuff, but I'd much rather make my own decisions than have someone else make them for me.

    My dad took such excellent care in seeing that all their paperwork was in order. We are reaping the benefits of his wise thoughtfulness since he passed away 3 months ago. This is not for the faint of heart, but taking care of business is a gift of love for your family ...

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    1. My final gift to my children will be a well planned leave taking, Linda- it is difficult enough without any more stress added to the pot! I have even written down where the "no one wants this" should go.

      Your dad gave you the same wonderful gift in that same act of love & concern.

      Blessings, Friend!

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  2. I've left instructions that if I am no longer able to decide for myself they are to throw a dice. If it falls on any number from 1 to 5 they are to keep me alive and not switch off the machine. If it falls on number 6 they are to throw the dice again.

    That way, the machine will be kept switched on and I'll make extra profit on the shares I have in the electric company.

    God bless.

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    1. I knew you would have something humorous to say , Victor. The question is- how will you look with mushrooms growing out your ears?
      Blessings, Funny Friend!

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  3. Excellent advice Lulu. Even though I'm only 59, I've also made a Will, a Medical Directive, etc. and written my own obituary. Trust me, I've lost loved one's since I was 10 years old and when a loved one dies, one's brain goes into "freeze" mode where nothing can be remembered. It's natural. I also specified a "do not resuscitate" and do not hook me up to machines in my Wish List. No mushrooms for me, thank you very much. *giggle* Also, don't want to be embalmed (silly, out-dated practice) or cremated (pagan) or spend money on an expensive casket but just make sure I'm dead then bury rapidly. Hold the memorial later. So, yep, I'm ready. Ready to be with Jesus forever.
    Hope your day is blessed. ~:)

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    1. A planner who recognizes the difficulty of rational thinking in the depths of grief -Goif For You, Sparky!
      Blessings!

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  4. You don't have to worry about anything---with the new health insurance--the death panels will decide (look it up!).---we have had a will since our son was born...sad to say...unfort..we all age and decisions will have to be made etc. Blessings

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    1. My grandmother had a stroke raking the yard, I pray God takes me in this manner--you are correct, we do not get to make the choice about how and when.
      Blessings, Friend!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!