At 79, Hank had reached life expectancy. Yet, he was being treated for cancer in his liver duct with an experimental
immunotherapy medication. Hank became delirious from having a temperature of 105 degrees, so he sought treatment in the ER. His vital signs were stable, but his survival was questionable.
The ER physician did a quick assessment of the situation with the intention to "pass judgment and reach a verdict."
Did Hank deserve to live or die?
What did Hank want?
What did his family want?
Who decides?
Hank’s daughter, Jill, claimed to be his medical power of attorney (POA) and moved front and center. Hank’s wife listened intensely and was
sitting near his stretcher where several family members were also gathered around. Jill was well aware that there was no cure for Hank's cancer, yet she hoped he might live as long as possible. That meant Hank would need IV fluids, antibiotics, and admission to the ICU. There was a real concern that Hank could die in the hospital.
Hank was
confronting a type of judgement day: Would he experience the rewards of heaven through a good death, or would he be sentenced to the purgatory that occurs in being hospitalized? Hank’s fate was up to Jill.
The judicious proceedings during judgement day can help caregivers understand how humility supports
acceptance:
