My husband came back yesterday evening. We were so glad to see him. He was deflated, though, which I think is the result of dealing with his father. He hasn’t taken his condition well at all. He is really mean to everyone who is closest to him, but I’ve heard that this was par for the course when he was well. Hubby said that he was angry because he had lost all dignity. It made me think about all of the debates that have gone on in the US about “death with dignity” and all of that sort of thing. I didn’t think that the part about him losing all dignity was true, so I looked it up right quick, to be sure I was clear as to the definition of the word.

dig·ni·ty n. pl. dig·ni·ties
The quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect.
Inherent nobility and worth: the dignity of honest labor.
Poise and self-respect.

So, even though my husband’s father was unable to go to the restroom and have a bath without assistance, was he unworthy of esteem or self-respect? I didn’t think so, nor was he lacking in any of the other explanations. He may not have been the picture of poise, but I am pretty sure he still had his self-respect.

Sometimes we all need help. That doesn’t make us less worthy of esteem or respect. It only makes us human.