What is a good death?: Humour may be important even at the end

doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7422.1047-f

BMJ 2003;327:1047 (1 November), doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7422.1047-f

Letter

What is a good death?

Humour may be important even at the end

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

EDITOR—I write to contribute to the discussion of whatconstitutes a good death.¹ Some years ago my colleague Peterwas dying from secondaries from a bowel carcinoma. Looked afterdevotedly by his wife and his medical carers, Peter graduallydeteriorated. However, even near the end he was able to spenda day on his beloved West Somerset Railway, organised by friends.

A northerner, Peter shared a blunt, affectionate, sense of humourwith my wife, Joan. Saying farewell, after what was to be ourlast visit to him, Peter commented that he was worn out andnow just wanted to go with dignity. With her usual speedy reparteeJoan replied: "You've never done anything with dignity before,Peter. Why start now?" Peter's chuckles remain with us as amemory of a very brave man and as a reminder of the importanceof laughter in our lives, even at the . . . [Full text of this article]

David F Bird, general practitioner

French Weir Health Centre, Taunton TA1 1XH dfbird@doctors.org.uk

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