I had never heard the term before… – DNR- , what exactly did it mean? All I knew was that we were being encouraged to sign one, as at that point nothing else could be done. It was 4 years ago today that my father showed me what a DNR was. He passed away undisturbed, without any pain, and his body was allowed to just go through the process. After all, that’s what we wanted, the least invasive, most natural death possible.
Hesitant at first to listen to the doctors who made such a recommendation, it slowly began to make sense. The time for him to go was soon approaching and trying to keep him alive with CPR would just contribute to a more painful death. Though it’s never easy to make such a decision, without a doubt, at times it really is best.
Do Not Resuscitate.
I think back today at the place I was in mentally 4 years ago and how so much has changed. Where in the days leading up to my father’s death I was having a hard time letting go and understanding that keeping him alive was not the most beneficial thing, today I see it clearly.
But DNR’s are not strictly for those lying on a hospital bed. In fact, DNR’s extend far beyond the hospital room and into our daily lives. In this 4 year reflection period that I’ve been having, I can think of many other things in my life that have come to an end, many of which I should have let die years ago. Yet some have remained around much longer than they should have because I have kept giving life to that which was already expired. In return for this life extension, I have received many heartaches, sleepless nights, and drawbacks because
resuscitating something that’s meant to die only brings pain.
I’d like to blame it on ignorance, and say that many times I haven’t known better. But the truth is that my first responder complex has been the culprit.
My father taught me a very valuable lesson that day.
Some things in life just have to die.
Next week, I have the privilege to speak to a beautiful group of women called the LILIES. I will share with them my experiences of letting certain things in my life live on way past the time they should have. I’m believing that they too will reflect on what they have been giving a life extension to, and that by the end of the day they will commit to sign a DNR with me.
Because somethings in life do not need to be resuscitated!
Believing you are letting go of the expired things this week!
What a heart-provoking post. I am glad you have found peace. My dad died in 1999 of a sudden heart attack. I don’t know how I would have felt either if he had decided to place a DNR on his life will. Thanks for sharing with us on the #LMMLinkup again this week.
Hi Mary. Thanks for allowing me to share! And thanks for stopping by. Be blessed. 🙂
Love this. What a beautiful post. Prayers for your upcoming speaking engagement. #testimonyTuesday
Glad you like it Kristi. Thanks for the prayers and for stopping by 🙂
letting go of those things that need DNR notice attached is sometimes hard because we wonder who would we be without them. The letting go makes more space to become more like Jesus. I wrote something very similar just last week called Cast Off. https://girlonadventure.com/2016/04/13/cast-off/
Thank you for writing.
Thank you Patty for your comment. I will make sure to check it out. 🙂
There is a time for everything under heaven. I’m so sorry for your loss. I signed the same document for my Dad just last month and held his hand as he died. I know your pain. I pray that we can all see the value in letting things die a natural death when their time comes. Blessings! liz
Hi Liz. Yes, there is something to be said about that. Thanks for sharing.
This was very thought provoking! Thank you for posting it.
I couldn’t help thinking about this verse: John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Sometimes we need to let things die so that something new will grow in its place and actually result in more fruit!
Yes Mary! Indeed, this verse applies so well…Thanks for stopping by.
Yes, that verse fits perfect. I appreciate you sharing!
Excellent word! you’re totally right that there are many many things that we have to voluntarily watch die. Even though excruciatingly painful, we must choose to let go. Thanks!
And there is always a reward for obedience…Thanks for sharing Karen 🙂
Yes, that brings the victory!
God bless you as you continue to serve Him!
Thank you Sandra. 🙂
I love this! 🙂
Hey Ashley…glad you liked it. Thanks for checking it out. 🙂