Did My Wonderful Dad Have to Die?

Summary

The article reflects on the author's belief in the power of mindset over medical prognosis, as exemplified by the author's father who passed away almost exactly five years after receiving a terminal diagnosis, which he accepted without challenging its finality.

Abstract

The author recounts the emotional journey following their father's terminal cancer diagnosis at age 80, with doctors predicting he had five years to live. Despite the author's pleas to remain positive and consider the potential of mindset in healing, the father adhered to his doctors' prognosis, which seemed to hasten his decline. The father's strong will, however, was evident as he clung to life until his children could gather at his bedside from around the world. The author, still grieving and harboring anger towards the doctor, emphasizes the influence of mental attitude on physical health and shares another story to illustrate the power of changing one's mindset.

Opinions

The author believes in the significant impact of mindset on physical health and healing.
The author is critical of the doctor's prognosis, questioning the doctor's qualifications to predict life expectancy with certainty.
The father's acceptance of the doctor's diagnosis is seen as a self-fulfilling prophecy that led to a premature decline in health.
The author is convinced that a positive mindset could have prolonged the father's life, demonstrating a strong belief in the mind-body connection.
The father's ability to wait for all his children to be present before passing away is viewed as a testament to the strength of his mind over his physically ravaged body.
The author's lingering resentment towards the doctor suggests a belief that the medical profession should be more cautious and encouraging in their communication with patients.

A testament to how powerful our minds are

Photo Courtesy of Byron J Watson

His doctor gave him five years, then suggested he get his affairs in order.

Dad was 80 and took those words to heart. It broke mine to watch the steady decline in his health after fully accepting his doctor’s diagnosis.

I begged him to stay positive and change his mindset. I argued that his doctor wasn’t qualified to make such a prediction.

“Your mind is powerful Dad, don’t just accept that as the truth and give up.” — Me

It wasn’t enough.

He insisted his doctors knew best, and we all needed to accept the reality of this dismal situation.

My outlook was different, and I hoped he would accept it as truth. I believe that our minds play an essential role in how our bodies heal. Changing your mindset can change your life, or in this case, prolong your life, of that I’m certain.

He was 85 when we said our final goodbyes; yes, almost exactly five years from the date of his diagnosis.

Here’s the kicker.

Dad managed to hang on (until all four of us kids) flew in from different parts of the world to arrive at his bedside. His body was ravaged with cancer, but his mind was strong enough to wait for us.

I miss my father every day, and I still want to punch that doctor.

Here’s another story you’ll enjoy about changing your mind…

I’m Liz, the self-empowered, red wine & coffee lovin’, personal growth fanatic behind this article. I’ve stopped shrinking into places I’ve outgrown and I’m a fan of straight talk and practical solutions. That’s why I’m here to Empower, Educate and Entertain.

Did My Wonderful Dad Have to Die?

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