Barbara Lewis’s address to the NZNO public meeting was a courageous and excellent summary of the situation in many homes and rest homes in our country. I thank her for her passion, honesty and call-out to those who may look at the end of life as not such an important need.
We can argue forever about ages of importance. Really, every age is the most important to those who live it.
To live so long is a gift, a blessing — and sometimes a painful, sad and lonely existence.
We are not so much of an exciting challenge to nurse. We are not cute and cuddly as babies. We are not young and looking forward to a long, fulfilled life, and we are not always thankful for a life that has passed us by with happy memories or ones we would rather forget.
We often have no control of our bodies and minds, and can be most difficult and unpredictable, but we are human and, inside, someone who has been loved and has loved.Someone who has been beaten down with life or someone who has made life wonderful for others. Some have lost everything they have loved. Some are blessed to have their loved ones near.
