[Michael W Taylor]

Grateful Deb and everyone else,

I understand how you feel, or at least I think I do when facing the inevitable from PF. I know it’s easily said, but for me it’s absolutely true that I’m not afraid of death as my Faith sustains me. I’m not even new to this disease as my grandmother, my grand uncle and an uncle by marriage have all died from IPF since 1993 and I was pretty hands on as far as caregiving with my grandmother. I will note that not one of the three traveled the same exact path to the inevitable. So, I wonder what track will my decline follow? I’ve already made my final arrangements and have purchased everything needed, asked everyone I want to be involved to do what I’d like them to do, written my obit, as much as I could, talked to my florist which I’ve used for decades, made sure legal papers are in the hands of those that will need them and so on. My only real concern is leaving my octogenarian mother with Parkenson’s Disease behind to be taken care of by someone else. Even though that someone else is expected to be my brother and sister-in-law, my mother and I have actually been each other’s caregiver for over twelve years and I know exactly how my mother needs and wants everything. Obviously we are very close, like best friends and I haven’t been able to let go of worrying about her after I’m gone.I guess it all boils down to it’s easy to say to put all your faith and trust in God, and I do. So, while I know she we will be taken care of perfectly, I guess I’m still only human and am falling short in this area.

So Deb, while I don’t know exactly what issue about end of life you may be struggling with at the moment, I guess the best I have to offer is to really take to heart Tom’s proffer that it helps to believe there’s light on the other side. You may benefit more than you think possible by Marti’s suggestion to get the book from Amazon, or other book sellers, entitled “Pulmonary Fibrosis Journey:A counselor and Fellow Patient Walk with You” by Kim Fredrickson. I plan to pick up a few copies of this book so that my family member’s and close friends will know what to expect as well.

I got a lot for myself out of reading about this topic. I hope I was able to give back a little as well.

Michael