The image above is “The Cross” it is in Effingham, Illinois along Interstate Highways 57 & 70.  I am using it as today’s image as we look at advance directives and the whole issue of “quality and quantity of life”.  I recently dealt with a family that was in agreement on what care plan they wanted for their patient.  The problem was that the advance directive, which was completed for the purpose of aiding the family actually created problems due to the wording in some of the sections.  As medical professionals in good faith read the document some came to opposite conclusions on what should be done to honor the wishes of the patient.  After some discussions the interpretation of the health care agent was honored.  A few days later the patient died.  It was a peaceful death, in just the setting the family knew the patient wanted and that they wanted.  Sadness was in plentiful supply.  But faith was present in event greater supply!  The family was Christian and they were able to claim for the patient the promises that God makes through the sacred writings of the Christian faith.  The family did not want the patient to linger in the weakened condition that existed.  While I would have loved to pray for a total healing in this earthly life, it was clear the total healing was going to come in the heavenly realm.  The family gained comfort from my presence and prayers not just at the moment of death but along the way in the decision making process.  I am still struck by how well the family coped with the reality of death and being in unison of opinion as they decided how to provide end of life care that honored the patient’s wishes.  I also offer this as an encouragement to all readers to have an advance directive and discuss it with your family.  If it has been more than 5 years since you drafted it, it is time to review to see if what you wrote in the past still represents your desires for the present and the future.  A well-crafted advance directive can be a blessing to family members as death approaches.