The Laughing Wolf

Terri And You

There are many good posts on both the major sides of this case, and they are well worth reading and considering. There are many good points made, but there are two additional thoughts you should consider.

First, do you really want a politician deciding your fate? Beyond the fact that these are the people who voted for that ridiculous bankruptcy bill, gave us McCain-Feingold, and a few thousand other equally brilliant pieces of legislation. What makes you think that the odds favor them finally getting it right in your specific case? Do you really want those on one side killing you off because you are no longer a productive member of society? Do you really want those on the other side forcing your family to keep your corpse "alive" at all costs to your estate or those you love? Do you want some as-yet unknown group of politicians to claim your body for yet some other purpose? Don't know about you, but I sure don't, and what happens is none of their business, nor should this be so now.

If you truly love your family and friends, talk to them about your wishes, and don't leave it to the crapshoot that is the modern court and the arena of politics. Make your wishes known, and not just to a spouse. Make sure your family knows, and that it is documented they know. Have a living will, give power of attorney for healthcare with everything spelled out. I trust my executors and holders of said powers to kill me; and, I also trust them to give me every possible chance if there is hope. Write it out, spell it out, talk it out -- do not leave it to chance. It is your body, you own it despite what a lot of people will tell you. Don't lose ownership under these circumstances.

I have many thoughts on this case, but will save them for now. For what I see is a tragedy far beyond the plight of Terri. If she had indeed shared her wishes, one way or the other, and done so via a will and power of attorney, neither she nor the rest of us would be in this situation. Do not do this to your loved ones, and do not do it to others. Take the time, write it out, and make sure a number of people know your thoughts.

As for Terri, her husband, her parents, and all other family and friends, keep them in your thoughts and pray/chant/spell/whatever you do that what is right happens.

LW