tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post5247249844468418657..comments2023-11-02T04:25:49.595-07:00Comments on sixtyfivewhatnow: To be, or not to be....Rosaria Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133147851332084180noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-76295274410327629932009-07-24T06:21:31.231-07:002009-07-24T06:21:31.231-07:00I agree with your summation. I have a form with my...I agree with your summation. I have a form with my husband & doctor explaining what I want should I be incapacitated... no extraneous efforts to prolong a life that is no longer a life. Oregon is so forward-thinking. Texas would never go for such a law. Great post.Cheryl Catohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13294358830518520566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-60263153617652993122009-07-21T05:31:41.050-07:002009-07-21T05:31:41.050-07:00In Ontario we can sign a "Do Not Resuscitate&...In Ontario we can sign a "Do Not Resuscitate" order, but we still cannot go to a clinic specifically to terminate our lives, even if we are are in untreatable pain, or if doctors certify that we will die within six months anyhow. Oregon is well advanced on many issues, it seems. Must be the air.<br />Personally, as a fringe Buddhist, if I can bear the pain, I would like to go into death fully conscious, but the basis of freedom is that we should not force on others what we have decided is best for ourselves.marc aurelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03811106443815434007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-45255057840232511132009-07-20T15:29:30.514-07:002009-07-20T15:29:30.514-07:00It is cruel to hold people hostage to this life wh...It is cruel to hold people hostage to this life when they are no longer in their own minds and machinery keeps them here. I could not bear to be left like this, and yet countless human beings live there for endless days.<br /><br />I do not believe in assisted suicide, nor do I believe in keeping machines turned on...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-80061099312428957092009-07-18T15:11:52.887-07:002009-07-18T15:11:52.887-07:00Move over! I am coming to Oregon.!xx♥Move over! I am coming to Oregon.!xx♥Nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12919764140075852854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-33268514045441974242009-07-18T10:59:33.542-07:002009-07-18T10:59:33.542-07:00Wow! I've been traveling for 10 days and my hu...Wow! I've been traveling for 10 days and my husband and I have been having conversations about this very subject. As I'm sitting in the car and tryng to catch up on my blog reading, yours is the second post on this subject that I've read. <br /><br />I read this article in the paper while on vacation and told my husband about it. We both agree that when we know we've reached the end of our functionality, we'd like to have a big going away party for family and friends and then go off somewhere nice and comfortable and slip peacefully into the night.<br /><br />It seems such a more peaceful and dignified way to go rather than suffering through the systematic failure of the human body.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10158546369146047030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-71535685547147400102009-07-18T06:56:59.932-07:002009-07-18T06:56:59.932-07:00How do I want to die? I wrote something about this...How do I want to die? I wrote something about this at my multiply account but opted not to share it to everyone. After reading this article, I think I might post it soon.<br /><br />Anyway, like you, I also want a peaceful death. It's probably the ultimate gift a person can receive.Kikithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15443700017435144681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-12159573263456649402009-07-18T05:29:42.938-07:002009-07-18T05:29:42.938-07:00I am a strong believer in the fundamental right of...I am a strong believer in the fundamental right of the person to do what he deems best. Sometimes, not all see eye to eye, but eventually it is the person who has to live the life, so the decision to peacefully end an otherwise painful life should lie with the person.SGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07439071211238467709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-42479135801160065232009-07-18T04:39:06.141-07:002009-07-18T04:39:06.141-07:00Here, here, that is exactly how it should be. Why,...Here, here, that is exactly how it should be. Why, in a supposed democracy, will they not allow what the majority so clearly wants?Dave Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08430484174826768488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-84439415542777623762009-07-18T02:17:26.567-07:002009-07-18T02:17:26.567-07:00Yes, Rosaria, we want and need that kind of love.Yes, Rosaria, we want and need that kind of love.Man of Romahttp://manofroma.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-85070501774940824872009-07-18T01:45:09.610-07:002009-07-18T01:45:09.610-07:00Well, that only seems fair!Well, that only seems fair!Sarettahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15467303139294282551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-59843368988486602702009-07-17T19:48:38.240-07:002009-07-17T19:48:38.240-07:00It is not easy to do. When the time comes, it is ...It is not easy to do. When the time comes, it is not easy.<br /><br />Love Renee xoxoReneehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11785932958464359112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-25931611672992627412009-07-17T18:40:26.171-07:002009-07-17T18:40:26.171-07:00Such dificult decisions for family members to make...Such dificult decisions for family members to make. Especially when they're struggling with letting go.<br />I think it's really important that people be allowed to create directives and that they be followed without fear of suit. It takes the pressure off family members, (It won't stop grief... we have to deal with loss at some point regardless,) and allowes doctors to follow our individual wishes. I would not want to be trapped in a lifeless body that was being kept alive by machines.Zip n Tizzyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14760606219381683552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-48496644999519984182009-07-17T17:32:55.517-07:002009-07-17T17:32:55.517-07:00At least you are learning...lol loved your comment...At least you are learning...lol loved your comment today. Have a great weekend. vRoom Service ~ Decorating 101https://www.blogger.com/profile/00391177317831699246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-22528448474274313312009-07-17T12:15:27.086-07:002009-07-17T12:15:27.086-07:00Midlife jobhunter--this is way too dark for you to...Midlife jobhunter--this is way too dark for you to think about on your way up corporate ladder. How are your prospects where you are? Hope things start moving. Thanks for visiting.<br /><br />Moanie--If you can hear then talk about you, you are still in charge. My thoughts are for that stage when I have no idea that I am still alive.<br /><br />Fyrebird--I don't want to go anywhere else at that time; I want to be home, in my favorite chair. Of course, if I don't know what's happening, who cares?<br /><br />Star--You're much too young to plan that far ahead. You have to pass the middle life crisis first. Enjoy.Rosaria Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03133147851332084180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-12445097946570916182009-07-17T10:44:43.014-07:002009-07-17T10:44:43.014-07:00Being only 30 yo. I can honestly say I haven't...Being only 30 yo. I can honestly say I haven't given much thought to the idea. But since becoming pregnant the thoughts have crossed my mind once or twice about the complications in child birth that could happen, though I pray they don't. And its something I have yet to discuss with my husband. It's a hard topic, and I respect anyone who can say steadfastly that they know what they want. Because honestly, how can anyone ever, REALLY know when its their time. People in comas for years awake, crippled can walk... we just can never know God's plan for us. So it's hard to say when its time don't fight for me, let me go.LAChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02804087660694789018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-52109561144891665832009-07-17T09:22:39.425-07:002009-07-17T09:22:39.425-07:00I so wish we had a place like Dignitas over in the...I so wish we had a place like Dignitas over in the UK, more and more people are travelling to Switzerland from here. <br />The people who use this service are not idiots they have thought long and hard about what they're doing. And I find in anathama that they should have to travel abroad and if their relatives go with them to say good bye at the last moment then they risk arrest on their return to the UK.<br />If I need that sort of service I want it available here and I want my sons to be safe if I so choose to end my life this way.Fire Byrdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05477692359400671374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-39158311458232027732009-07-17T09:22:07.907-07:002009-07-17T09:22:07.907-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Fire Byrdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05477692359400671374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-47125894990815892242009-07-17T09:00:46.115-07:002009-07-17T09:00:46.115-07:00All the while I can see the faces of my loved ones...All the while I can see the faces of my loved ones, and hear their voices, and understand what they are saying, I will cling on to life like a Barnacle. If I am demented[my worst nightmare] and incontinent[my second worst nightmare] do with me what you will.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-48645235090074452792009-07-17T08:30:16.531-07:002009-07-17T08:30:16.531-07:00Woman--Erin, you romantic you! It takes us back to...Woman--Erin, you romantic you! It takes us back to Romeo and Juliet.<br /><br />Beth--The experience with your mother in law will help you reach your decision way before you need to.<br /><br />Nancy--Yes, in those moments we learn humility and grace and unconditional love. WE also learn the fragility of life, the preciousness of it.<br /><br />Shadow--We can't accept a life that reduces all that we have been to a state of vegetation, ugliness and putrid smells. If we can have a choice, we want better.<br /><br />Trish and Rob--Thanks for visiting-though this post is like walking in a party that has debauched away-and leaving your thoughts. Kurt Vonnegut's stories ugh? I shall have to revisit them.<br /><br />Willow--Sorry about this subject, after your celebratory mood. Thanks for visiting.Rosaria Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03133147851332084180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-54643471859361646282009-07-17T08:20:10.006-07:002009-07-17T08:20:10.006-07:00"At a point when my life is not worth living,..."At a point when my life is not worth living, I want to give my goodbyes to the world and go peacefully into that dark night."<br /><br />I agree. Let's hope that peace.Midlife Roadtripperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06700277803842883251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-58433497836843704972009-07-17T08:19:42.281-07:002009-07-17T08:19:42.281-07:00Pyzahn--Good for you, running around, showing ever...Pyzahn--Good for you, running around, showing everyone how to stay active and healthy. I'm getting my husband to walk with me now that his doctors are putting their feet down. When people become ill they tend to retreat and cocoon. Our bodies are meant to move and work hard. Great resolve.<br /><br />Reya--Your losing Jake was a great lesson in dying. We don't see death up close and personal any more. Our elders are sent away-or live far-and we can't imagine the pain and indignity they might be suffering at the end. It's a subject we don't want to entertain.<br />I agree with you that if one is sound of mind, ending life should not be an option.Rosaria Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03133147851332084180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-26811247245618330652009-07-17T08:13:34.583-07:002009-07-17T08:13:34.583-07:00Helen--Thanks for your thoughts.
Reasons--Yes, th...Helen--Thanks for your thoughts.<br /><br />Reasons--Yes, theory is always easier than practice. You have raised very keen points for us all to consider.<br /><br />Elizabeth--Your experience will help you understand the theory. Oregon is a great place to live in. I'm sure you miss the trees, the green, the rivers, and the rain. <br /><br />Rose Mary--You are a survivor and a winner. May you live a very long and fruitful life. Thanks for adding your thoughts to this morbid conversation.<br /><br />Trousers--Great point you make. Any law is as good as its interpretations; and it can be grossly misapplied; or it can become a tool in somebody's scheme. These are the dark sides of the issues. Very thoughtful.<br /><br />Jenny Mac--Good to have you here. I'm not usually conversing about these dark thoughts; but hey, it's part of being human.<br /><br />Lori Ann-- I shall visit your post and read that story. Thanks for taking time to add your thoughts. Are you all recovered? You must be with all that hiking you are adding to your routine? You and hubby will live to be 100 because of your life style and brio.Rosaria Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03133147851332084180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-4211575085650100822009-07-17T08:02:20.718-07:002009-07-17T08:02:20.718-07:00Man of Roma--Yes, it is a timeless love story. We ...Man of Roma--Yes, it is a timeless love story. We do want that kind of love, don't we?<br /><br />Bogey--Exactly my point too: if I become so helpless that I can't do anything for myself, and I'm not even communicating my wishes or my thoughts, I'm no longer interested in that life. Medical science has too many tricks to keep up alive; until their tricks keep you above a vegetative state, I pass.<br /><br />Pink Dogwood--It is about quality, isn't it? And about maintaining dignity too. I do not want my grandchildren horrified and mortified when they are dragged over to visit me. <br /><br />Brian--My children, who are your age, don't want to listen to our final directives. It is hard for youth to accept death as inevitable. <br /><br />Jennifer--Life is precious. We don't want to take our lives; we want to live fully until the very last minute. Thinking about those last minutes in a rational way, understanding the inevitability, the difficulty of that decision becomes easier.<br /><br />Costo--we have the same directives--let nature take its course without heroic measures. That's the statement that we can be comfortable about. You know, at that stage, we are helping ourselves to the very end by making decisions way in advance. Actually taking some medicine to end pain I can accept. I'm not good with pain.<br /><br />Maggie May--It is about choices, and about who makes those choices. I want to spare my children those heart wrenching decisions that will kill their spirit no matter what. I want them to know that it is o.k. to allow nature to finish its course. And with the cost of health care as it is in my country, my children would have to mortgage their homes to keep us on respirators. <br /><br />Absolute Vanilla--The decision at the very end is not usually made by the individual. He/she is too sedated, too incapacitated, too gone to decide. That's the reason you make your wishes known in advance, both to your family, and to your doctors. Your choice is only yours when you are rational and healthy.<br /><br /> <br />Fhina--The two adults who went to Switzerland were rational; the youth was not. He was depressed and out of his element. His family should have stepped in; I bet the clinic tried. Perhaps, there should be a lot of counseling before those decisions are made. <br />I'm talking about the end of a life when a life is maintained artificially, as in the case of elderly people who have become dependent on respirators, and other machines to keep a semblance of life. If those machines were turned off would they live? Would they know they are living? It is not so easy a decision to make at that point.Rosaria Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03133147851332084180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-31836249669459887672009-07-17T07:58:33.660-07:002009-07-17T07:58:33.660-07:00My thoughts, exactly.My thoughts, exactly.Tess Kincaidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04889725786678984293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257034884908994204.post-52987524849925854312009-07-17T07:13:43.779-07:002009-07-17T07:13:43.779-07:00Everyone should have the right to die with dignity...Everyone should have the right to die with dignity. One of Kurt Vonnegut's earliest short stories was about that right. Oregon seems to be leagues ahead of other states on many fronts.Trish and Rob MacGregorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02846270474176860924noreply@blogger.com