PORTRAITURE OF DEATH By Anthony Alden Vines
I remember when my brother died 10 years ago; his death brought tears to my soul. I was engaged in my normal busy schedule and heard an unearthly voice that said “call home”. I stopped immediately what I was doing, picked up the phone, and called my mom. My nephew picked up the phone and said they found Uncle Marvin at his home unconscious and rushed him to the hospital. I knew the end was coming; he had been diagnosed six months ago with terminal lung cancer and fought a valiant battle to survive with dignity. He knew he would lose the battle, but he wanted to die a warrior. With honour and dignity, he didn't want to stretch out his impending death by having someone take care of him. He chose to die in control and the comfort of his home. I hung up the phone, composed myself and jumped in my car to make the two-hour ride to Toledo. God is great! No one thought to call me and tell me that he was fighting for his life in intensive care, yet the spiritual connection between m