Art Buchwald dying - refuses dialysis

[kskiska]

The Final Days of Art Buchwald: A Visit


MILTON, Mass. Renowned columnist Art Buchwald has refused dialysis, and it's only a matter of time, maybe a short time, before he dies. For a man awaiting The Reaper, he's in unusually fine fettle.

I spent two days by his side to find Buchwald doesn't see himself as courageous, nor does he feel shored up by supernatural spiritual strength. To fade away naturally is the decision he made when faced with the alternative of being hooked up to a dialysis machine three times a week, for five hours at a stretch for the rest of his life.

He said, "I had two decisions. Continue dialysis, and that's boring to do three times a week, and I don't know where that's going, or I can just enjoy life and see where it takes me."

(snip)

NPR show host Diane Rehm had conducted a poignant interview with Buchwald regarding his decision to forego further medical intervention, which aired four days earlier on February 24. Buchwald’s candor was stunning. It’s said that when facing death, a man’s life passes before him, and this man passed along his feelings to Rehm, including his fears (none), regrets (none) and any spiritual expectations (he’s not sure, but probably none). Buchwald’s number is coming up, and he wants to meet his fate squarely, sans any extraordinary means of delay, thank you very much.

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[Chiyo-chichi]

1. I really used to enjoy his work.

I used to love his columns & books when I was in middle school in the Nixon era & just after.

Sad to hear that his health is failing, but great to see him facing it on his own terms & with dignity.

[NWHarkness]

2. A brave man in life...

and a brave man facing death.

He spoke truth to power throughout his life.

A bright flame is flickering out.

[supernova]

3. Heard him on NPR last week

He sounds so weak and tired. But it was a good interview.

[Warpy]

4. Dialysis just isn't worth it for a lot of people

My mother turned it down repeatedly. She had mild dementia, but she knew she didn't want to leave her bed and be transported to be hooked up to a machine for several hours three times a week. My dad and I respected that.

I hope his passing is quicker and easier than hers was. I remember his columns very fondly, although I didn't always agree with him. His words were carefully crafted and his style was always entertaining and witty.

May he go in the peace, comfort and dignity he deserves.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

5. My grandfather refused a kidney transplant

And I was really mad at him, for about a minute. He said, I'm so old I have great grandkids. I've had a good life, you aren't going to waste all that money, or a good kidney on me.

He did the dialysis though. It gave him a few more years, but he hated being hooked up to that machine.

Sounds like Buchwald has a pretty good attitude about it.

[Ian David]

6. My grandfather used to have a home dialysis unit by his bed

My grandmother (who never figured out how to work her VCR) used to hook him up to it every night before bed.

I don't see why he can't do something like that.

[Karenina]

7. Unka Artie and I

were born on the same date. We exchanged birthday greetings. He's such a pip and his decision does not surprise me. It's only the thought of losing him... :cry: