Death is something which every individual experiences at some point. It is a part of life which is always painful to go through and difficult to comprehend. It is more complex to experience when the process of dying becomes an ordeal. Life takes its toll on a person’s health, and as medicinal or chemical factors are used for treatment, the probability of suffering is at hand.
No one wants to suffer. Most people strive to be happy and healthy. But when another person suffers, and his or her life is in jeopardy, a greater concern is brought up — exactly how much and for how long should a person suffer?
In last week’s episode of “NYPD Blue,” actor Jimmy Smits gave his final performance as Detective Bobby Simone, a successful man whose ailing heart conditions took their toll on his young life.
Simone had previously shown no signs of difficulties with his health, but nearly collapsed one afternoon as he experienced a shortness of breath. He was admitted to the hospital and underwent heart surgery to repair his condition. As he began to recover, however, it was found that this brave detective faced greater complications than were expected; his brain began to hemorrhage, leading to numerous seizures.
In the end, Simone’s condition did not improve and greater health factors became a risk. He could go through brain surgery and remedy the hemorrhaging of his brain, but the procedure could weaken his heart. On the other hand, he could remain as he was and have more seizures.
Either way, Simone was apt to endure some kind of suffering, but the extent to which that pain would be was a personal choice. He had accepted that his condition would not improve, and made the decision to fight for his life by his own will for as long as he was able.
By the conclusion of the episode, he pulled the respirators away from his face and fought for his last breath on his own moments later. Simone died with a tear running down his cheek and a smile on his face; though he would miss out on a longer life with his family and friends, he knew his life was as complete as could be imagined and as perfect as possible.
The episode sparked its moments of tears, hopes and sadness. In the end, it provoked a thought which every individual should consider when faced with the trials of the possible death of another.
Technology and research have allowed our society to have sources of remedy or life-stabilizers available whenever necessary. Machines such as life support have given hope to the improvement of a person’s health, but how long can a person remain dependent on this device?
In some cases, life support aids a person’s chances for life, but in other cases, it does nothing but hold onto life and prolong suffering for a person after some time. Of course, death is always difficult to witness, and even more difficult to accept. There comes a time in which, we, as humans, must consider the suffering a person might endure when keeping him or her on life support for so long.
It is not to say that a person should just accept that the individual might die and get over it. That is inconsiderate and unjust. But sometimes, preparing to accept death and letting God take over is much more comforting. Perhaps God’s will for a person is for him or her to live past the moment of releasing life support. Only He can known that.
We cannot hold onto a person’s life forever. Sometimes God’s will is for that person to bless us for just a moment, then live in our hearts as a beautiful memory, as was the case of Detective Simone.
Araceli Esparza, a junior journalism major, is editorial director of the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at esparzaa@ulv.edu.
