Let's not forget...
Well, it's been one year since Terri Schiavo breathed her last.I'm not going to rehash that travesty.
What I am trying to do here is remind everyone to get their wishes in writing, and to let more than one person know about them...just in case.
Here are mine (in writing, no less):
"I want no extraordinary measures to keep me alive, once it has been determined that all is lost."
"All" means higher brain function. I know there are those who don't think I possess that now, but they are fooling no-one, probably not even themselves.
If I can't communicate through some means, answer questions through some means, that would be a fairly good indication that this magnificent mind has become seriously diminished. What a loss to humankind that will be.
(Yeah, right)
With any luck, I'll just get splattered by an 18 wheeler while riding my Harley on an Interstate, or take a nice fatal SPLAT!!! in a cave. Something unequivocal, y'know?
Was I rambling?!
Good; higher brain functions intact...
posted by camojack | 08:49
13 Comments:
God forbid you should get "splattered by an 18-wheeler" or "take a nice fatal SPLAT!!! in a cave," my friend. That would be too tragic for words. How about falling peacefully to sleep in your old age, waking up in Heaven?
:-)
'da Bunny:
I actually want to die peacefully in my sleep like a former coworker...not yelling and screaming like the passengers in his car.
But seriously; I'd prefer it be sudden, not some slow, lingering death like Terri Schiavo's...
Amen to the quick way, we can all only hope...
I had to "pull the plug" on mom some years back but it was with the certainty that she wanted it that way. Did pretty much the same to my aunt about a month ago, again with certainty.
I sure expect the same from my loved ones (yes, there are really some that qualify despite what some might think) and hope to God they have the courage to do it when the time comes!
camo...heh, heh, heh...very funny, but I've heard it before!
Yes, no one wants to linger, suffering for an extended period of time. I totally agree with the sentiments you have expressed. I just hope you go "splat" a very LONG time from now! You've got another good 50 in ya', at least!
boberin :
It really helps on a number of levels if someone's wishes are clearly stipulated.
Of course, that doesn't change the feelings engendered by the situation, although it can ameliorate the guilty ones associated with it.
'da Bunny:
I know, that joke has been around (like me) but I thought it was particularly apt for this thread.
For the record, I don't actually want to go SPLAT!!!, I just don't want to become nothing more than a burden to my loved ones.
Maggie:
If i do get splattered by an 18 wheeler while riding my Harley, you prob'y wouldn't want it anyhow.
rusty:
It is a complicated ethical dilemma, to be sure.
My main point is to make things easier on everyone involved by making it clear (while clarity exists) what one's individual wishes may be.
I think we agree more often than not...
heh long tiem no talk camo. sorry i havent been around...ivebeen delving deeperinto my politics, if you kno wut i mean.
Josh:
Hey! I was wondering how you fared over the Winter in your new locale. Now that Spring has sprung, it should get really nice soon.
My Great Grandmother fell asleep and didn't wake up, three months after my great grandfather died. She may have went peacefully, but she died of a broken heart. There is always suffering. One kind or another. I agree, I don't want to be a burden on anyone. But I know if my mom was really old, I would care for her and it would n't be a burden. I have a friend that cares for her mom. She can't eat solid food and can't get out of bed on her own. And sometimes Sue hates that little bell that signals a need, but she will tell you that it has been an incredible 5 years for her and her family. SO it's a toss up. One persons definition of burden is anothers blessing. I suppose we would all agree to leave it to God to decide and no one here would 'pull the trigger.'
Maggie:
The Hawaii property? That's worth more than a splattered Harley, but my heirs might want to keep it. Anyway, with any luck, I'll still be around awhile.
mig:
Well, there are different degrees of care; I'm mostly referring to a situation where any semblance of a real life or recovery is over. As I said, if it gets to the point where a person can't reply to a question in some manner, it's a good indication that they are no longer living in any way but the physical. Naturally, if someone is comatose for awhile, there might still be hope...
darth_meister:
Understandable; death by dehydration is anything but euphoric...which was indeed an obvious, transparent lie.
All the more reason to get those wishes in writing...
Since the Ghouls have already prematurally descended upon your still living body, Can I have your blog? it's better than mine!
Libby Gone™:
You should post more; that would help. But I'm keeping my blog...at least for now.
SGT USMC 1ea:
To quote Shakespeare, from Hamlet, it was "murder most foul".
Although I'd rather go peacefully in my sleep, SPLAT!!! is much preferred over a long, drawn-out, slow deterioration...lacking in any dignity whatsoever.
onlineanalyst:
I had just started this blog when I heard the news that Terri Schiavo had died...so I made a second post that day. I usually only post once, sometimes twice a week.
Strange to be so moved (it made this "tough guy" cry) by the death of someone I never knew, but it was more about the cruel and inhumane treatment she received...
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