Insurance

I watched Olberman tonight. A special comment on health care reform. In doing so, I could not help thinking of my father's passing this last year. When I knew he could not go home again, I had to face where he needed to be, a hospice. I talked with George and we faced the what ifs. What if he didn't have the money to be in hospice and even in a nursing home. We knew the money was not there to provide in home care. We knew we could not do it. Physically provide that home health care.
George and I knew the others in the family did not have the money. Period. So in taking very deep breaths, together we decided we would back the bill if it came down to it.
Hospice.
When Dad went in, I signed the papers. No other thought. No regret.
Dad lasted a week. He received excellent care. He died with dignity. And he died even with the world.
He did not owe. Insurance took care of it. Dad would have liked that. It was right.
There are so many that don't have that insurance. Or the family to help. So many daughters and sons have to stand by and helplessly watch a parent suffer and/or die. That there is no money to buy the needs of their parent(s).
It is wrong. The ethics to reform are not being recognized.
The world is not coming to an end as the doomsayers would have us believe. But there is so much that can be done.
It is up to us.
Start writing. Start calling. Start volunteering your time. Start giving your money.
Make a difference.
Lives depend on it.