Mango, The Finest Of The Sorbets

Dave's, A Beautiful Journey through Assisted Death, is one of the most important, impactful, and insightful pieces of writing I have ever had the privilege to read.

It's lengthy, but feels like it takes a few scant minutes to read, as he articulately recalls the journey his mother ("mom") takes to her quiet death.

Before we continue I need to echo Dave's own responsibile content warning:

This article describes a family’s experience with Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), including detailed discussion of dementia, end-of-life planning, and death.

I've known Dave, at arms length, for many many years and have always respected his openness, courage, honesty, and principles. I can now appreciate where a lot of these wonderful attributes originate, his Mum, Dr Sarah Traister Moskovitz.

It's not my role to copy-n-paste his words, I urge you to find the space from your daily activities, from the hubbub of work, to slow down and be with Dave. Be with his family and all those that wrapped themselves around Sarah as she decided, accepted, and completed what her heart and soul wanted.

I am, of course, from the UK and a certain dark humour did shine through as a testament to both Dave's writing, and to those involved.

His Dad died a year earlier and, even as he was on his way out, a gathering grew into a 'do' bringing forth this wonderful moment:

".. all of your family members have come to say goodbye to you”. “I suppose I should say hello to them,” he said. 

I hope I can be so quick at my exit.

Another time has a hiccup in proceedings, maybe assisted dying for Sarah wasn't ongoing to happen, all of which which has Dave remembering Sarah saying:

"I guess I could just walk into the ocean.” I had thought of this, but someone would have to drive her there, and she’d need assistance getting to the water, as she used canes or a walker. In my mind, I pictured the police interview afterwards and it wouldn’t look good.

These are moments in the journey, ones I am stunned Dave can even remember let alone write, and again I am honoured to witness, then again it's our job to,:

She said, “I want you to write about this experience. There isn’t a lot of information about assisted death available, and I want people to know more about it.” 

It's late as I write this, and I have flicked through the apps to find some info - I notice the news, the social media, the messages, and they have all become like the bustling city as the first snow falls, muffled, distant, and irrelevant.

Thank you Dave for writing, publishing, and sharing Sarah's death story. And for sharing your own journey therein.

❤️