When a person is diagnosed with a serious disorder, one that threatens their very existence, life as we know it is turned upside down. There is research to conduct about traditional and alterna­tive treatments. There are specialists with whom to consult. Some­times there are changes in lifestyle and in priorities to be consid­ered, as Tim McGraw sang in his 2004 hit, "Live Like You Were Dying."

I have watched this process in many parishioners over the years. Quite often everyone, including the person with the terminal diag­nosis, is amazed when they outlive their prognosis by months and sometimes even years. Medical science and mental attitude can do amazing things to sustain and extend the quality of life and the number of months a person has to live.

But there comes a point, when treat…