Death DIGNITY- Pull the Plug? UPDATE 2/05 (article) by Karen Gallo-Dunn on AuthorsDen

The truth is that the only kind, humane, dignified, painless choice FOR EVERYONE CONCERNED would be to call Dr. Kevorkian -- The Terri Schiavo death vote has some people thinking the husband IS the problem. First of all, the spouse is responsible to provide the burial...per the other's wishes. At least that was the case when my husband died. To watch Terri's parents fight over her pitiful soul-- like a dog fighting for her bone is disgusting. Displaying Terri on the news and TV is disgraceful. To watch Gov. Bush issue orders to take her from Hospice back to the hospital and put her back on life support is absolutely unlawful. Regardless of whatever the reason, the husband heard her request wishing NOT to be put on life support. People in their 20's these days are overwhelmed with death - American Soldiers, 9-11-01, terrorists, etc. So it would be very common to see something on TV or a relative is ill;etc., that would bring up this conversation. Just wonder how many 20, 30,40,50,60, etc. would WANT to be PUT on life support and entertain NO QUALITY OF LIFE by CHOICE? Do you know what you want? If you don't? WHO DOES. A husband, if he outlives his wife, would know the wife's final wishes before her parents. Usually the parents die first and who is left -- hopefully your spouse or even better - GET YOUR STUFF IN ORDER NOW DON'T BE A BURDEN To thoroughly understand these choices, you have to talk to your doctor; read about it, understand the reality of each of these situations via a family member or close friend, however, be clear before you make a decision. As a young widow, I lived the shock involved when your spouse passes. The spouse is LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE TO MAKE THE ARRANGEMENTS. That was my experience. However, do it yourself NOW - eliminate people bartering over your remains before you even pass! Over ten years is a long long time to vegetate and to have a spouse -- your other half -- existing for your hopeless revival. I can only speak for myself. But my husband is very aware that if he ever allowed Gov. Bush to make a specticle of me and parade my pitiful body through the streets of Tampa and let everyone see me looking like that -- he better pray I die in transit! My dad had a stroke and for 17 months he could not rehabilitate due to other complications. When the doctor told him this was the best it would ever get, my dad pulled the feeding tube out and handed it to the Doctor..... As a daughter, I watched my father who decided HIMSELF to starve to death with hospice at his side - it was his idea. However for me::: his choice was absolutely morbid and devastating. We all have a religious belief (or NOT)about death and so be it. Today anyway -- we do have to make choices for ourselves. I am a baby boomer and I sure pray that I go fast. If not, I hope there is a pill or shot or a new Dr. K. to put me out of my misery. Just like my father, I believe in quality of life NOT JUST EXISTENCE in a dead body with no brain and the ability to grown. Long-term care policies are great security and peace of mind if you live that long. More people are living to a 100 every day. Isn't the life insurance policy only payable up to Age: 99 years? oops!!! Mothers and fathers normally do not want their children to change their diapers; or feed them, or bathe them, etc. Many children do take care of their parents -- the blessed and the few. When you are elderly and grumpy and/or handicapped or feeble, the best choice is a policy that provides for your care 24/7 in a facility prepared to handle your personal situation or home care. l. Get a "Living Will" eliminate stess on your family to make this decision for you! This is your personal decision to execute your options NOW while you are able -- On? or Off? A. Do you wish to be kept alive ON life support? Yes: This means you will be kept alive on life support systems until whenever/forever? TERRI SCHIAVO! No: This means you will NOT be kept alive by any artificial life support systems and/or if you do die, you will not be revived. No: This means you eventually will starve to death and when you have 2 weeks or less you go to Hospice OR . No: Hospice may come to your home if you wish and keep you comfortable the best they can as your body deteriorates,turns colors like knottypine,drips fluids.... until one "blessed day," you heart finally stops beating and you die! No: Family members suffer each and every day as you waste away to nothing - your family begs God for your peace from life. As I sat and watched my father go through the hospice experience for 17 days, I was terrified. I promised my Dad he would die with dignity. This was far from it, BUT what choice did I have? Dr. K was in jail. Hence, I found it necessary to take pictures of my dad in the casket because he looked better "DEAD," and I needed to temporarily block out the picture in my mind of decay, death and dying. I would NOT wish this experience on anybody! 2. Pre-need memorial planning paid for = one call does it all -- less financial/emotional stress for the survivors. 3. Plan your funeral exactly the way you want it. Eliminate family arguments over what YOU would want. Let the last words be YOURS. When a loved one dies -- no matter how prepared and ready you are -- you are in shock -- maybe relief -- maybe grief -- BUT you are in shock! (especially if a child or spouse passes). If you do not grieve then, you will sooner or later. I write frequently about death and express it as vividly as I am able -- the feeling -- the questioning -- the emptiness. Be prepared ! Don't Ignore that Which Comes Naturally The Certainty Called D E A T H February 2005: Poor T is being treated worse than a criminal on death row. Torn apart UNKNOWINGLY between Heaven and Earth. Get a living will for your own DIGNITY! ��
Web Site	Terri Schaivo
f