Madam, – As an elderly person I am appalled to read an article (HEALTHplus, March 2nd) which advocates the idea that there is such a thing as a “good death”. Indeed, it would seem to suggest it is a pity to deprive the relatives of the dying a chance of having a social family occasion around the dying person’s last gasps for breath.
If one has not made peace with one’s nearest and dearest before one is in extremis, then in most cases it is too late to try. I have made a prayer to my maker that when my time comes, I will be allowed to pass away in my sleep!
In that event, I trust my nearest and dearest to forgive me my past faults and failings – realising that I am only human and I did my best – fully aware that my best may not always have been good enough. C’est la vie! I do not want to be conscious for the last rites. – Yours, etc,