Jennifer Worth, celebrated author of the Call the Midwife trilogy, invites us to explore the often-uncharted territory of death and dying in her poignant work, In the Midst of Life. While her earlier books focused on the miracle of birth, this book delves into the inevitable end, seeking to understand what constitutes a “good death” and how we can approach this final chapter with grace and acceptance.
Worth shares compelling narratives of individuals grappling with difficult end-of-life decisions, highlighting the emotional complexities that arise. One particularly heartbreaking account details a family torn apart by differing opinions on their mother’s care, underscoring the importance of open communication and empathy in the midst of grief and uncertainty.
The author advocates for peaceful dying, emphasizing the importance of quality of life over simply prolonging existence. She observes that death often arrives quietly, a gentle release when loved ones are briefly absent, suggesting a natural order to the process. Worth writes, “There is a living spirit that is the spark of life, and when it knows that the flesh, which it has animated for a while, is decaying, the soul wants to slip away quietly, when no one is looking.”
Worth also addresses the darker side of end-of-life care, questioning whether financial incentives sometimes overshadow patient well-being. Her observation that “The majority of care homes are profit-making establishments, which can be bought and sold on the open market” raises ethical considerations about the potential conflict between profit and compassionate care.
While acknowledging the inevitability of suffering, Worth rejects euthanasia. She argues that suffering, like happiness, is an intrinsic part of life and not a justification for ending it. “Suffering stalks the wards of all hospitals, but it is not senseless; if it was, all life would be senseless, and it is not.”
Drawing from biblical text, Worth interprets “to die in peace” as being granted “the space, the time, and the silence in which to know that I am going to die, to contemplate death and to come to terms with the inevitable, and above all to become friends with and welcome the Angel of Death.”
Worth observes a societal shift from faith in God to faith in science, suggesting this contributes to our struggle to accept death. We cling to life, embracing advanced medical interventions without considering whether it might be time to let go. She posits that our current dilemma stems not from science or medicine but from a “lack of faith,” advocating for a return to the understanding that life and death ultimately reside in God’s hands.
The book’s message resonates deeply with Worth’s own experience. Diagnosed with cancer shortly after its publication, she wrote in April 2011, “As everything slides away, what I am left with is faith and love. Faith, which has been the cornerstone of my life, and love, which has been always with me.” Jennifer Worth passed away in May 2011, her final words echoing the profound wisdom shared in In the Midst of Life.
In the Midst of Life provides a compassionate and insightful exploration of death and dying, prompting us to confront our own mortality and consider how we might approach this final transition with greater peace and acceptance. It’s a powerful testament to the enduring power of faith and love in the face of life’s ultimate challenge.