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Why Are We So Afraid To Let Our Loved Ones Die?

The ultimate act of selflessness is allowing your loved ones to die in peace.

Sara Burdick
8 min readFeb 13, 2022
Sunset in Colombia

I worked in Intensive Care units for most of my adult life and my professional career; there was always one thing that I never understood.

Why do family members rarely respect the wishes of their loved ones?

In my 15 year career, it is the one thing that I never fully understood. I mean, I know “you don’t want them to leave you” how much more selfish can we as a human species be when you see your family member suffering from a tracheostomy, fed with a g tube.

It means you can no longer eat, need assistance breathing, bathing, and help with the bathroom. If you are reading this, I am sure you might think I am exaggerating, and I wish I were. I do not exaggerate on such a serious topic.

People who can no longer take care of themselves in the US get placed in nursing homes. Yes, and you all know at least one or two in your town.

Imagine every city in the US with a few of these beauties. They are horrendous and an abomination; I do not support the nursing home industry.

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Sara Burdick
Sara Burdick

Written by Sara Burdick

I quit the rat race after working as a nurse for 16 years. Travel and Storyteller. I live in Colombia. https://substack.com/@saraburdick

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