It IS a personal topic! And a hard one. And I don't want someone telling us that we HAVE to end it at a certain point either- I don't want to allow anyone into the decision making process on the other end! (Pull the plug on the old biddy)
I just want it to me my decision, I guess.
And I am very glad to read your views. And Neo's, even when they hit me emotionally wrong, I know they are based on reasoning that will be explained to me and that I can accept as having validity, Even if not for me :)
The tribal elder story is a gentle one... it has a sort of natural appeal. (Although it also reminds me of- is it the Indians?- who send their useless elderly out into the snowy woods to die.)
I see it as the same suicidal decision- just lower tech.
Walking into the wilderness isn't exactly an option for most of us. The decision is still made to seek death-- it's just a slower form of suicide. Nowadays, we would forcefeed the poor tribal elder with an IV.
Is the lack of a ping because there is a less definite moment? A sort of- well, if God doesn't want me to die, he will send food and a warm blanket? So it isn't really my choice?
"I Never Promised You a Rose Garden"
Funny-- I have used that phrase with my own boys. Again I don't see this type of suicide as just avoiding a little unpleasantness, but of taking control over one's final days.
Have hundreds really availed themselves of this in Sweden? What about in Oregon? I think most of us cling to life, often against any hope. I would have guessed that not many have the courage to actually commit suicide and harbor hopes of recovery. I talked with both my parents at length about these things during their dying.
I know I am going to live forever, and never die.
Aren't you?
Don't knock pretty songs~ They can bring a great deal of comfort. When my mother was dying, one of her favorite tapes was of a recital I gave. I had to listen to myself sing Pie Jesu and Mozart's Alleluia a lot. It was very disconcerting. Lest you think I got a swelled head, I should tell you her very FAVORITE tape was Garrison Keillor's Lake Woebegone Stories. |
