David Kessler and Dolly, 73, discuss dying at home with dignity. Kessler outlines rights of the dying, including not dying alone, and describes a cultural shift back toward home deaths rather than hospitals. Dolly, diagnosed in 1995, expresses acceptance and a wish to stay in familiar surroundings.
73
1995
The Rights of the Dying: A Companion for Life's Final Moments
My life would be perfect. If I wouldn't have cancer. I wouldn't have a thing to complain about.
Since her initial diagnosis in 1995, Dolly has had two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. But the cancer has continued to spread.
At 73, Dolly knows she's traveling a path that will lead her toward death. But what's most important is that she.
Stay here if in the familiar surroundings of her home.
In the 50s and 60s and 70s.
Death moved into the hospital and found a new home there.
And we found ourselves separated from that experience. And people walked away when their loved ones died feeling like it was very impersonal and very empty. So I think we're now seeing a growing movement to bring our loved ones.
Back into the home.
David Kessler is a pioneer helping people with terminal illness die at home.
Well, I think there is a time to have a fighting spirit and a time to really fight our disease and.
Beat it if we can.
There also comes a time to ride.
The horse in the direction it's going.
And when that natural process begins to occur, it's time to stop treating death as an enemy.
We got a package deal when we came to Earth, and that package was life and death.
Kessler has written a book he recently shared with Dolly. It's called the Rights of the Dying, A Companion for Life's Final Moments.
We forget that, of course, we have rights when we're living, but we have.
Rights to be honored when we're dying.
During a recent meeting at Dolly's Sacramento home, Kessler and Dolley reflected on the joys of life, how she wants to be remembered. And they talked openly and candidly about what's ahead.
The right to express our emotions about our death in our own way. The right not to die alone.
The right to die in peace and dignity.
I'm not afraid of the thing. Death is okay with me at any time. When it comes, that's it. And we don't have a choice.
Dolly is wonderful.
She has a wonderful spirit. She's so open about what she's going through and so willing to share it with others. She really becomes our teacher.
