The Old Fence, Linville Falls, North Carolina ©Rick Riddle, 2004

Technological advances tend to be obsolete before the average worker of America benefits from its development.

The medical sciences are advancing faster and prolonging longer life - whether or not that life is permeated by quality of life.

End-of-Life Care is the emotional, spiritual and medical treatment that is received in the last stages of one's life. Receiving all these aspects of care is important throughout one's life. Under the age of 18, our parents/legal guardians make our "life-care" decisions; after the age of 18, the responsibility becomes our own. Exercising our right to incorporate our values and beliefs into living at any age can be forfeit when we fail to research, plan and communicate our "life-care". Illness or tragedy may steal the opportunity for one to prepare for death; therefore it is our responsibility to be ready.