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“Kaplan has written a book that should be a staple of every medical school’s curriculum. It’s a must for student doctors, and those advanced in their training. Not only does Kaplan include examples of how and what to say (and perhaps more importantly, what NOT to say), but practical tips on what to DO. ‘Tips’ in bold, scattered throughout each section, offer quick, practical suggestions when the reader is pressed for time.” |
| What’s age got to do with it?
By Robbie Miller Kaplan
Tuesday, 11 January 2011 11:42
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My grandma died at 97, and I was heartbroken. It was partially because she helped raise me, partially because I adored her, but it was also unexpected. “Unexpected?” you might say, and some people did. But she didn’t die at an age that was expected of her generation; she had outlived so many peers and younger relatives, I was sure she would live to be 100. What difference should it make how old someone is when they die? Shouldn’t we extend the same sympathy and level of support no matter how old or young the deceased? In retrospect, I didn’t get much sympathy when my grandma died. One colleague said upon hearing of her death and her age, “Didn’t you expect her to die Robbie?” Just because someone has lived a long life, does that mean the loss is any less painful? No matter how old someone is when they die, the bereaved deserve the same consideration you would extend to anyone who has lost a loved one. Age doesn’t diminish the pain of loss and the mourning process is still the same. |