I
just read a story about a Toronto man with Huntington’s Disease who decided to
take his own life before the disease took control of him.
It was
a tough story to read.
It made
me cry but I think the tears were happy tears since I know he is at peace.
This is
what the Gentleman wanted.
His reasons
are all documented and he explained further in a letter he left behind.
His
wife knew and so did two others from a group called “Dying with Dignity”.
That’s
what it’s all about- isn’t it?
Dignity.
We hold
our head high for a lifetime. Then along comes a disease that means- towards
the end of life, being tied down to a hospital bed.
There’s
great pain and discomfort and the agony of waiting for it all to be through.
Could I
do it?
I don’t
know.
I don’t
think any of us know until we are faced with the prospect of dying a terrible,
painful death at the will of an incurable disease.
I have
seen three people in my life in the hours, days and moments before they leave
this earthly plane for the next.
It isn’t
pretty.
One asked-
“Why is it taking so long?”
Another-
“I’m dying but I’m having nice dreams now.”
That
was my Dad.
Another-
My Aunt, looked at me through eyes I scarcely recognized as she thanked me for
coming by her hospital bed day after day to feed her.
To this
day, I don’t know how I did that daily.
Should
assisted death be legal?
I
believe so.
It’s
the final decision we can make for ourselves.
Before
the pain.
Before
the mind is taken.
Before
the body crumbles.
There
should be a place.
A
wonderful place filled with music. Soft light. Pleasant scents.
A place
for family to be.
After
all, family gathers around a casket to see a dead body- so why not before that
time?
It
would be a time when the terminally ill person is still able to think clearly
and has time for a proper goodbye.
Hugs.
Kisses.
Laughter.
Smiles.
Togetherness.
When
someone special has decided it’s time to say farewell, we should leave them to
their own quiet dignity. Their final wishes are just that- their final wishes.
They
need to be respected and carried out.
Standing
in the way is the law of the land and probably organized religion.
In the
near future I am sure it will be viewed as being normal and the right thing to
do.
These decisions
take time and taking one’s self into eternity is the biggest decision of all.
