ABSTRACT
In years gone by, our ancestors did not need to worry much about communication with the terminally ill. Medical technology had not advanced to the point of being able to identify pending terminality as adequately as can now be done. Nor could medicine or technology prolong impending death to the degree that is presently possible. Our ancestors' experiences with communication with the terminally ill were much more focused. Such experiences were more likely to include being called to the bedside of a dying relative, who probably died later that same day or week. As a result of this, dying individuals were not terribly likely to be disenfranchised—there was not much opportunity to interact with them. In some past cultures, dying was seen as a part of life rather than something to be feared and avoided.
