Book Review: In the Midst of Life by Jennifer Worth

The perfect title to a perfect book by an inspiring author. Before I continue with sharing my reflections, I would like to pass my condolences to the family of late Jennifer Worth. I do hope her passing on was a peaceful one (passed away due to cancer in 2011), surrounded by family, friends, or/and former colleagues. To those who have shared their lives with her, all of you must be very lucky. With the stories and experiences she had shared in this book, she had led the most fulfilling and intellectual life amongst all of us. 

Let me share my favourite passage from the book, which I believe, sums up Jennifer's whole motivation of having this book written and published. 

"Facing death induces us to see life through new eyes; our perspective is altered, sometimes profoundly. Most of us live a headlong existence, so we are too busy to question the meaning of life. Suddenly all is changed, all our values are open to question and doubt. Even those who are non-believers begin to search for answers to questions like 'What is the meaning of life?' ' Why are we here?' 'What is life?' 'What is death?' Bereavement leads some of us to think that there must be more to life than that which is concrete and visible, and we find there is a larger, deeper purpose than we had ever suspected. For some, asking these questions, even though there can be no positive answers, can transform their whole way of living."

Before anyone starts assuming that discussing and embracing the subject of death is of a morbid one, I say, reset your thinking and start to form new respect and humility towards it. Jennifer Worth does exactly that in this book - it's humbling, touching, and converted me to have the highest regard and respect to the process of passing on with dignity and courage. 

Jennifer shared her personal insights on her friends and patients' views before their final depart. There were a couple of short stories and each one of them, they were not just inspiring, but it also felt as personal to me. One story which I would bear close to my heart would be "The Bedroom Cupboard". I won't let this be a spoiler. Though I do want to share of Mr Anderson's strength, perseverance and positivity towards his battle against life's adversities - I can't help feel an immense respect and high admiration for him. The ending to his fate was of an irony though, but I think it would be something that Mr Anderson would have preferred. Maybe...

Another critical insight shared by Jennifer was the relationship between doctors, advanced medicine, and the sufferings of patients. It's widely believed that advanced knowledge in medicine, and its techniques is meant to help prolong the lives of patients, though this, most of the time, does not necessarily mean, helps in easing the pain and making life better for them. In the past, or maybe, still today, patients are not viewed as individuals with feelings and opinions. They are merely patients or subjects to put into practice from the theories and research of medicine. 

This book has helped me to see that death should be of a honourable act of passing on with peace and dignity. The argument of whether or not to stop the life machine plugged onto a loved one is of a controversial issue, but it is simple. Would you rather let the loved one go in peace and honourably, rather than to prolong a life, a life that is not lived by us, by that person having to suffer pain and most importantly humiliation from the suffering. 

I am thankful to Jennifer Worth for writing this book and so graciously shared her thoughts, and experiences for the subject of dying and death, It makes living life even more precious. It makes the process towards death even more accepting. 

Thank you Jennifer, and may you rest in peace. 

Good night all.