What you describe is almost identical to my grandfather’s death of pancreatic cancer two years ago.
He was 87 years old and by the time the cancer was discovered, it was too far advanced for any treatment. He went home and had wonderful around-the-clock care from a hospice program run by a group of nuns. They made him as comfortable as they could and a month before he died he even had a birthday party.
Two days before he passed away, he became unconscious. The nuns took turns saying the Rosary at his bedside. About a minute before he died he regained consciousness, he saw the sisters and his family and smiled, he mouthed the words, “Mother of God” and then closed his eyes and died. NOTHING could be more dignified.
My husband was much younger, his cancer was everywhere and overwhelming when it was first found, he only lived 6 weeks. I am a retired nurse, so with the help of hospice I was able to take care of his meds and other needs, he had some palliative (pain-relieving) mild chemo and radiation, hospice came daily the last two weeks.
He was conscious the day he died, still able to walk a short distance with help, but that evening went into his final coma. He (and I) received the sacraments that morning, our children and grandchildren attended his dying.
We prepared his body for the funeral home. Arrangements were premade, no need for the authorities, hospice came and pronounced time of death and notified the doctor.
He was with us, until he died, then he was gone. Still, respect and love for the flesh which bore his heart and soul.
Thank you for sharing that, it is very beautiful and brings tears to my eyes.
That is a noble, dignified and inspiring death. Death is already assured for every creature. Dignified has nothing to do with people being “in control” of their depature date or method.