A Blessing in the Rear View Window

It has taken me 4 1/2 long years to see the Blessing in the timing and way that my parents died. Although it was devastating, shocking, and extremely unfair, my family & I did not have to painstakingly watch either of my parents die. We didn't have to make decisions for them to prolong life or prevent death. There wasn't a plug to be unplugged or a machine to turn off. 

They were just 

Gone. 

As the days and nights become longer than the given 24 hours, my cousins, Uncle and Aunt, remain trapped in a seemingly endless roller coaster that teeters on the edge of life and death. I cannot imagine the torture of a minute-by-minute vigil. Praying for life while also pleading for death to show mercy and end the suffering. My Aunt's body is ready but her mind is still alert enough to continue to fight...to plead for one more chance...one more procedure...on more breath...one more day. My Uncle grasps at each and every second to hold on to her; unable to accept what is happening and that he won't take her home again.

I wonder...what would I do if in my Aunt's situation - my mind is alert but I know the body is failing. The end is near but not close enough to end my suffering. Would I make the decision to let go of the hands of my husband, children, grandchildren - or would I continue to fight against the current for that one more time? With mercy, I pray for the decision to be taken from the hands of myself and my loved ones....the same prayer I pray for my Aunt.

There is no right or wrong here. 

Only life and death - which are really the same thing.

Peace.