BELIEFS

Fifty year old “Mike” suffered from esophageal cancer that had spread to his brain. Mike was single and lived alone. He came onto hospice when it became apparent that he was declining and could no longer be alone. Mike had a large, supportive family who rallied to support him as needed.

Mike’s brother, “Kevin”, moved in to help. Kevin lived two hours north, but took a leave from his job to assist his brother. In addition, Mike’s girlfriend, “Kristy”, was over daily to help out as well. Kristy and Mike dated in high school, but after graduation they both went their separate ways. They met up again eighteen months ago and realized that the spark was still there. They started dating again and within two months, Mike was diagnosed with his cancer.

Mike had a strong belief in Daoism and was a very disciplined man. He had no fears about dying and accepted each day as it came. When he had some difficulty processing thoughts due to the cancer in his brain, he never became frustrated when he couldn’t find a certain word. He had total peace and acceptance. In the two weeks he was on hospice, there was a daily decline. Mike accepted all of this without fear or complaint.

Mike’s strong belief system helped him cope with his dying. He really was one with the moment. His family respected his beliefs and supported his decisions. They knew Mike would live and die his way, which gives them peace. They believed it was the only way he knew how.


BELIEFS


He had a strong belief in Daoism.
He lived what he believed.
“This moment is an illusion.
We are all spiritual beings.”

He learned martial arts.
He learned discipline.
He lived with harmony in his reality.
He believed in the yin and yang.

Cancer didn’t altar his beliefs.
In fact he became more determined.
Determined to die the way he lived;
with discipline, compassion and humility.

He sought out a medical intuitive.
He received comfort from her words.
It was to be his final outing.
Something he already knew.

He came home and told his family,
“I’m done here. I’m ready to move on.”
He stopped eating, he stopped drinking.
In forty-eight hours, he was gone.

His family describes his death as inspirational.
“It was clean from so many different angles.”
They say it gives them total peace
as he died how he lived;
true to his beliefs.