Years Ago, I Lost a Son

This time of the year, I am guilty of many reflections on the vicissitudes of my life. The sudden death of my young son is still painful.

The circumstances of his death were not managed well by my colleagues who did what they could to save his life. I do not recall any of them telling me how grave his clinical situation appeared and death, barring a miracle, was imminent.

I now reflect on these physicians and realize that they lacked the necessary training to talk to me and I know this because we all are of the same generation. It must have been a major burden for them to tell me and my family that our child was gone.

The medical and religious communities continue to manage end of life care inadequately.

Talk to your doctor and your pastor about dealing with end of life care.