Eng280 Week One .doc Eng 280 Rhetoric and Critical Thinking English 280 Nine years ago

Eng280 Week One .doc  Eng 280  Rhetoric and Critical Thinking  English 280  Nine years ago, my father was diagnosed with 5th stage kidney failure, also known as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).  ESRD is when both kidneys no longer function at a level to keep your body healthy and chemically balanced. The Urologist told my parents that my father had six months to one year to live if he did not start dialysis immediately.  My father adamantly rejected any notion that he was going to subject his body to such treatment. After my parents had the time to absorb the news, they had the horrible job of telling my siblings and me.  I remember the day plainly; I was almost eight months pregnant with my first sustainable pregnancy.  My emotions were already the ruler of my life at the time, and I was beyond devastated.  I recall saying to my dad, œHow are we not worth the pain and aggravation of dialysis?  How can you not do everything in your power to remain here on earth?  I was heartbroken.  I proceeded with my rhetoric, asking how he could give up the love of meeting his grandchildren and watching them grow, how he could leave my mom, whom he had been  married to over 45 years. Why would he choose death over us?  My father was a Fisher of Men; he believed in God and that our only hope came through His Son, Jesus.  He countered with his faith.  He was under the belief that he had lived an amazing, fulfilled life.  He truly believed that if his Maker was calling him home, he was ready.  My whole world was b