In the last stages of a final ...

In the last stages of a final illness, we need only the absence of pain and the presence of family.
 Helen Hayes

Quotes from the same author

Age is not important unless you're a cheese.
 Helen Hayes
At 50, you need to laugh about your age. If you don't, everybody else will do it for you. Happy birthday, old chum!
 Helen Hayes
My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that 'achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others, and that's nice, too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success.
 Helen Hayes
The theatre demanded of its members stamina, good digestion, the ability to adjust, and a strong sense of humor. There was no discomfort an actor didn't learn to endure. To survive, we had to be horses and we were.
 Helen Hayes
We rely upon the poets, the philosophers, and the playwrights to articulate what most of us can only feel, in joy or sorrow. They illuminate the thoughts for which we only grope; they give us the strength and balm we cannot find in ourselves. Whenever I feel my courage wavering, I rush to them. They give me the wisdom of acceptance, the will and resiliance to push on.
 Helen Hayes