The Right To Know

There is always an argument concerning whether or not to tell a terminally ill patient the truth about his condition. Many people say that patients with an incurable disease have the right to know the truth. I feel qualified to comment because three days ago we had a memorial service for my husband. He was given six to 12 months to live ? that was less than two months ago. After the initial shock we made what time he had left count. My husband was only 45 years old and he had never been sick, so getting such news was hard to take. Seven of his longtime friends from five states came to visit us. I cannot describe how much that meant to my husband. He accepted his impending death and helped me plan the service. At 42, I wasn’t prepared to cope with it, but he gave strength to me and our children, 16 and 21. We did it together. I am all for total honesty. I say, tell your loved one the truth. The chances are that he knows it already. He can read it in the eyes of those he loves and who are caring for him.