End of Life Scenario

For the last six weeks or so my father has been fighting for his life from a hospital bed and the sad news is, he's losing the battle. Doctors now say he has only a few days or weeks to live. This is all hitting me like a ton of bricks. The whole extended family, five siblings, step mother, in-laws and non-blood relatives I've never even met are being drawn into a drama that more than rivals anything on the screen.

You would think that adults of a certain age would be mature enough to be even-tempered about such things but that is anything but the case and from everything my friends and colleagues are telling me, that is always how it works. Everyone is doing their best to handle it but feelings that have been hidden or buried for decades come flying out of the proverbial deep. They say that writers should write about what they know. I agree with that but this is too private for public viewing.

I do think the concept of "End of Life Scenario" would make a great film or TV series. It has a built-in dramatic arc and there's no shortage of conflict. Everything from wills and executor ships to grieving spouses and squabbling sibs. In my own case, as a single woman who has never been given away in marriage, it has suddenly become very clear to me that the loss of my father is far more traumatic than I could've anticipated. He is still the primary man in my life. My moral compass, my rock and my protector. When he is gone, there will be a great void.

Maybe this too has a sunny side. Maybe it will make me more willing to accept a husband. I have been a pretty tough customer when it comes to letting a man into the role of partner. Several good men have tried and failed. My father is a shining knight in many ways and I am glad I've had the opportunity to tell him how hard he has made it on any suitor to match his example. But he's also just a man, with human foibles, and that is something that his impending loss brings home as well.

In any case, I thought I'd offer it up, in case some of you are looking for an idea to write about. This is a hot one.