Katy Butler: A Life Too Long

Tricycle contributing editor Amy Gross speaks with author Katy Butler about modern medicine’s often misguided approach to end-of-life care. Butler’s best-selling book, Knocking on Heaven’s Door: The Path to a Better Way of Death, chronicles the author’s experience of her father’s slow decline following a devastating stroke. “There comes a point,” Butler says, “when death becomes a blessing and living becomes a burden.” In this episode of Tricycle Talks, Butler tells us what we need to know—and the conversations we need to have—to make responsible medical decisions for our loved ones and ourselves toward the end of life.

Reviews

Thank you - so helpful! ✨️🕉✨️

An important conversation about one of the most important aspects of our lives; all of us. As we come to understand that aging is so much more than just growing older I realize that in order to be able to enjoy each day I need to be mindful of how that day needs to be lived to the full.
Tip: Don’t wait too long to paint your masterpiece😉

An excellent, meaningful discussion

Finally, thanks for confirming everything I have ever believed. Peace at last! 🙏🏼❤️

So eloquent and heartfelt , thank you for your honesty

This was excellent! Thank-you!

This was an excellent personal as well as informative reflection on planning for death, and of family working together to provide comfort in spite of the indignity of the medical model. I highly recommend it

This was a candid and sensitive discussion about a topic that needs greater discussion. Both my parents died, my father just recently, at home with hospice care, surrounded by family and love. The Catholic priest, who attended my father, told us, “You don’t know how many people die without this, alone.” Thank you for addressing end of life care in real terms and the difficult choices that must be made by the dying person and their families. There are so many people dying alone in hospitals now due to COVID-19, making this discussion very topical. Thank you again.

Having walked this walk with both of my parents, I am left with two imprints: deepened love for each of them, and deep regret that I fell short of truly being present to them as I tried to support and care for them. Your words about imperfection were a balm to my soul. It strikes me that, just as suffering connects us to compassion, perhaps our imperfection connects us to the unconditional love that inhabits us. I am grateful.

Incredibly important conversation. Have listened and relistened. Thank you.

This was a wonderful interview. Death comes to us all. May we be brave in making the difficult decisions when the time comes. 🙏🏾😊.

I wish there was a way to award 10 stars. This conversation was profoundly helpful. The book will go to the top of my list! 2 things really stood out. "You can't be a saint for 6 years." I've been living with my mother, whose dementia made living alone impossible for 9 years, and I admit saintliness has called my name but I haven't gotten close to it. My regret and guilt plagues me. So, thank you for that encouragement! Also, the thoughts regarding "do no harm" were wise and wonderful. Honestly, I hung on every word. I can't begin to fully Express my gratitude!!!