mojocatt

At some point in recent history it became imortant to live as long as pig-friggin possible, regardless of the condition. Hooked to a vetilator, on your back unconcious? Who cares, we'll keep you alive! Why? Because we can! I think Mav has part of it, the money/prestige part. I mean everything is about money these days right? Pizza places are graded on number of deliveries, factories are rated on productivity, I'm sure hospitals are rated on a qty/$$ basis as well. If grandma had no insurance or medic-aid, they sure as hell wouldn't be pushing for surgery! But also I think that a bizarre clinging to life mentality has crept across our nation. It is my understanding (and I know if I am wrong every asshat in lj land will be happy to correct me) that in all native american cultures the elderly were revered for their knowlege and wisdom. They were also part of the family group until the very last minute, not shuffled off into a home to be kept alive, merely to keep breathing. And most importantly, when the elder felt it was his/her time, they would wander into the woods to die with privacy and dignity. that is of course if mother nature did not take them while they were sleeping. What is wrong with wanting to die with dignity? I applaud your Grandma, and I hope the family shuts their pie hole and puts on their hat of respect. Best wishes to you and yours!
~CD