Another perspective on end-of-life

Brian Polkinghorne, Gawler, S.A. 5118, Oct 22, 2024

I appreciated recent articles by Ian Chubb and Ken Hillman on end-of-life issues. Ian’s analysis of his wife’ dementia pathway and Ken’s analysis of ‘conveyor belt’ hospital systems were brilliant, but in my humble opinion, failed to address the problem effectively. I believe there are more responsible options.

In my late 20s I was given a few months to live after six bouts of hepatitis and trigeminal neuralgia. A friend dragged me off to a naturopath. In desperation I fasted on water only for 13 days, reached natural hunger and have never suffered from either of those diseases again. Now, 60 years later I am almost as fit as a Mallee bull.

I know that fasting is a peaceful way to graduate to the next life. After writing about it, discussing it with my doctor and family, if I am diagnosed with the big A or D, I will discuss the start date of my fast and move over.

Why do we doggedly believe that we must hang on to life when we become more of a burden than a blessing to the environment, hospital and aged care systems, our families and our faith if we have one?

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