This is in response to the Bangor Daily News story, “On her own terms,” printed in the Sun Journal Nov. 3.
We are presented much practical information today to prepare ourselves for death. We are encouraged to organize financial affairs, prepare a will and advance care directive, acquire a cemetery lot and plan a funeral. And we are encouraged to discuss these activities with our families. That is sensible.
A Christian’s preparation for death presents an additional direction. A Christian’s advance care directive points to the respect for life relative to euthanasia, establishing some differences in medical treatment for the dying person.
The Christian preparation for death also presents the consideration that death does not close the door on life, but opens it to the possibilities of purgatory, heaven, eternal life.
Christians who are elderly should consider learning more about the life after death as presented by their religion, the rituals, prayers and methods that will prepare them for their death. There is also prayer for healing during serious illness that should not be ignored.
Christian family members of an elderly, seriously ill or dying person should also consider their preparation for the death of their loved one as it relates to their religion.
Counseling and education by Christian clergy is important to establish the right religious direction for an elderly person and family during that very important stage.
Non-religious elderly persons should prepare their practical affairs before death. Christian persons should prepare their practical and religious affairs before death.
Tom Fallon, Rumford
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