Signs of Death
Rian is supposed to be reading this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Final-Act-Living-Barbara-Karnes/dp/096216030X
I am having a hard time of it.
http://www.amazon.com/Final-Act-Living-Barbara-Karnes/dp/096216030X
I am having a hard time of it.
posted by La Tulipe | 12:36 PM
8 Comments:
It being the book or... it.
I'm guessing it means both.
I think most people would have a hard time of it; hence the need for such a book. Like me, for instance, who would rather have my head in the sand and pretend that such things never happen.
Hmpf. I am suspicious of that type of book. (ie self-help in all it's guises) Platitudes and assumptions that we are all the same get my back up.
Looking at the preview on Amazon it seems to have huge print so as to contain less. Though to be fair, some readers may need that huge print. Still, my tendency would be to discuss my personal tradgedies with my close freinds, explore thoughts and approaches there. We are not all the same.
But then, I am pretty lousy at helping others in difficult times, as I assume others have my own tendencies and attitudes, which is generally not the case. Once again, we are not all the same.
So, my perhaps useless advice is to only read it if it is helpful.
Well, but. It is not a self help book, in truth. Or, in the ordinary way. And Rian does not need help in dealing with IT. But, rather, the book.
For instance the chapter entitled 'Signs of Approaching Death' in which we explore...well...the signs of death, months out, weeks out, days out and hours out.
So. How are ye all feeling? Eating well? Drinking well? Sleep with thy mouthes open? Eyelids at half mast? Anyone mottling? Do tell. Puffing like a fish? Anyone?
Well, I'm perfectly fine for now, thank you. *grin*
For instance the chapter entitled 'Signs of Approaching Death' in which we explore...well...the signs of death, months out, weeks out, days out and hours out.
OK, this I find extremely creepy. Having actually watched a parent slowly die myself... Yeah, I really would not want to read about that. Hell, even watching a character do pretty much the same thing on TV made me completely freak out.
Get rid of it, Rian. *crosses arms* Ah, see how blech it's making me feel, and I'm not even trying to read it...
'Supposed' to be reading it? Says who...? Surely you only read these things if you want to, or perhaps I should say 'need' to, 'want' being a completely inappropriate sentiment for such a subject. If it's not helping, or if it's too difficult and counterproductive, leave it on the shelf. Isn't the object to make one feel better, or at least easier, and not worse?
I didn't get the impression that the book was intended to be comforting. "Feeling better" and "easier" are not the same. Having an idea of what to expect will make things easier for one, but isn't going to stop one from feeling sad. I'd like to keep my head in the sand, but I don't think that it's helpful.
Oh, well. The hospice lady gave it to Rian and one to Rian's brother.
I shall toss it. It does not make one happy. Must the way we die also be cataloged minute by minute?
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