john-wagner
Forum Replies Created
-
Hi, folks! I so appreciate the previous responses. My approach to this matter is likely somewhat different than the approaches of many.
I am a Priest in the Episcopal Church and ensured at each and every parish I served to do evening sessions on end-of-life planning every three years or so. My preferred materials come from fivewishes.org  Their materials work for folks of nearly any (or no) religious background. I have had Five Wishes materials reviewed by local legal counsel who assured me that the materials met the requirements of the Commonwealth in which we live.
While, in the beginning, these sessions were not easy the comfort they brought folks in the midst of losing loved ones were true blessings. I have had, over the years, many sons and daughters of the deceased come and thank me for ministering to their parents in this manner.
Having attended the deaths of many people, I do want to stress that the perfect person to select as a healthcare proxy is often a trusted friend rather than a spouse or family member. I find that those on the brink of becoming widows or widowers are truly thankful that a golf partner can make the choices necessary as that time approaches.
While there are many settings in which these evening presentations could be made, it does seem to me that those of us in the “eternity” business should be well-equipped to do those presentations (with help, of course, by other professionals such as attorneys).
As I have ALS, I already have my Five Wishes forms completed with two fellow priests designated as my healthcare proxies. I named two just to ensure one would be available when the time arises.
John
-
Hi, folks!! I must admit to being a bit of a predeluvian dinosaur when it comes to things digital. Nonetheless, Zoom has proven to be of nearly incalculable help when keeping groups of folks together. However, I can not wait until we can meet with folks face-to-face again. With that having been said, I also give thanks that the room in which our support group meets is at our regional health network (the same network that hosts our ALS clinic). The conference room in which we meet has an internet connection, as well as a huge monitor for display to the entire room. I believe that, when we get back together, some folks who are considerably less mobile than I might be able to join our “live” meeting by means of Zoom.
My main “fear” right now is that I am about to “host” a Zoom meeting for our Parish (Church governing board, not the UK equivalent of a county). I have yet to be able to do anything approaching a reasonable job hosting on Zoom. However, I do love a challenge, and I’m certain this task is not insurmountable.
Just an observation from an old mind… For decades, health professionals have been advising us to sneeze into our elbows to reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses. Now, in the age of COVID, the health professions are recommending that we greet one another with “elbow bumps” …. REALLY??????
John
-
I definitely plan on receiving the vaccine, and hope that my wife (caregiver) will also. Any short-lived discomfort from some the reported side effects appear to be minor compared to actually having the COVID-19 virus.
Fr. John
-
First off, I must confess to being jealous of signs of spring. We’re just a short jaunt from the Canadian border, in far upstate New York. Snow and ice are still very much Order of the Day here. Can’t wait to actually see grass again!!
I have likewise been sleeping well, and you’re right in that a good night’s sleep sets the stage for a good day. Beyond that, I anticipate being evaluated soon for a Bioness L300 Go. I’ve been wearing an AFO on my left side since my diagnosis nearly seven years ago. If the Bioness is successful, it’ll be a good day when I can put the AFO in the closet until it might be needed again. My first clinical weakness was left hip flexor and foot drop on that side when fatigued.
Good day to you madam, and may we both continue to gain the strength from good nights of sleep … 🙂