How to know when you're sick
You hurt.
Your bathroom mirror is overflowing with pill bottles
Your eldest child is accustomed to dialing  911
You're familiar with the hospital

**How to know when you're dying
Everything hurts
The pill bottles double, prescriptions changing
Bi-weekly visits to the hospital become necessary for  your survival
When your eldest child dials 911, the paramedics that arrive know you by name


How to know when you're free
Your lungs draw their last breath
Your struggling heart beats one final time
The piercing sound of your heart monitor fills the hospital room
Your pain is finally gone
You're free.