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Karen Stuebing | all galleries >> PAD Again >> A Photo A Day - January 2006 > Tools of the Trade
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28-JAN-2006 Karen Stuebing

Tools of the Trade

West Virginia

I hate those orange DNR (do not resusitate) cards. It's very difficult to let go and not do anything and watch someone die. Even when it's a terminal illness and an end to suffering. I sat with my father when he died of metastatic lung cancer. When he drew his last labored breath, I just fixed my gaze on the DNR card and said goodbye.

Olympus C-5050Z
1/80s f/2.3 at 9.3mm iso400 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
comment
Cliff01-Feb-2006 18:20
Funny the small sometimes seeingly mundane things we notice that are so profound and symbolic on reflection.
royalld01-Feb-2006 04:37
I have no comment.
I just wanted you to know I saw this and I'm touched.
Dan Chusid31-Jan-2006 08:31
My Dad is in a non-reversible state since having his fourth stroke.
My Mom continues to go through the motions and emotions while
the inevitable winds it's murky path.
Sometimes the end is never near enough.
Ray :)30-Jan-2006 20:41
A well composed image, and a touching sentiment.
Guest 30-Jan-2006 13:18
The card is, unfortunately, a constant reminder to loved ones, but it serves a very important purpose. My mother also had a DNR. It was hard to watch her go, but I knew a better home awaited her. Wonderful photo...you have a talent for capturing life as it is.
Guest 30-Jan-2006 09:39
i concur. one doesn't need a constant reminder of how sick your love one is.
DeMorcan30-Jan-2006 04:46
I understand your feelings. For myself, I will chose the card rather than leave my love ones with hard choices to make. I hope it will be easier for them to just experience the grief without added pressures and decisions.
virginiacoastline30-Jan-2006 03:34
nice selective color on your part . .I've never had to deal withthat first hand. My mom had a DNR too . . .her choice, not ours. I wasn't there when she passed. I missed it by a few minutes. I was in the parking lot . . .
Greg Harp30-Jan-2006 03:29
Terrific image--it certainly tells the story. Love your composition. It is never easy for those left behind, but hopefully there is something more--something to have faith in.
Elaine (etfitz)30-Jan-2006 02:58
A hard thing for the person left behind.
Karen Leaf30-Jan-2006 02:24
Have to agree with the crowd. I will want the same.
Barb29-Jan-2006 18:36
Never easy but for many a release to their pain and suffering.
Al Chesworth29-Jan-2006 16:54
Difficult Karen, however in my case I would welcome it rather than suffer more.
Coleen Perilloux Landry29-Jan-2006 15:04
Yes, many times death is harder for the one watching. They mysteries of life and death will always be with us and we will always have the damn orange card.
joanteno29-Jan-2006 14:37
Being there. Being present is doing something. It is not easy - never will be easy. However, it is doing something very important.