On Death and Dying

A range of reactions were recorded in “how different members of a family cope with terminal illness” (188). Mrs. S.’s husband of over two decades had deserted her, leaving her with their children. In her interview, she demonstrated resiliency in being able to speak with the seminar participants. Having experienced great loss, expression came as a relief.

Mrs. C. was unable to face the prospect of her own death on account of her sense of duty to family obligations. She cared for dependents and dreaded how her death would impact them. As Kübler-Ross states, “It is understandable that such family burdens make it extremely difficult to die peacefully until these matters are discussed and some solutions found” (230). Mrs. L. was only able to accept help later on. For her, sharing with the seminar was less about her own need for comfort and more to retain a sense of ability and usefulness: “She offered to come to the seminar not because she wanted to talk about illness or dying but to be of some service while restricted and unable to function” (244).