Peaceful Warrior by Sueann Wells With death out her window, she stands strong. She says she’s taking the coward’s way out, but she’s impressive. Her daughters, her husband, her friends, her neighbors, all by her side, she says, “I don’t want to fight.” She’s fought before, battling an aggressive cancer three years ago, and she’d rather not fight again—for only two to four months. The demon has taken over three vital organs now, and may have worked its way to her brain. The doctors say it will be nearly painless this way, compared to the tremendous pain and struggle of fighting the cancer. “What a thought,” she says, “to go to sleep and simply not wake up one day.” Truly peaceful. To think of what’s going on inside her body, though, does not seem peaceful, as the body is choking itself with urea and toxins, forbidden the weekly release. But with the help of morphine and other painkillers, she’s fine. Lying in her gown and robe, snug beneath floral covers in a naturally lit room, she talks to friends and neighbors almost as though she were completely well, except that she’s exuding last requests and final reflections on her life—her own eulogy. Such a fine spirit. At peace with her decision. Content knowing that in less than a week she’ll see her parents once again.
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