However, what if she's self aware and is content to live as she is
I thought I covered that possibility...
but his perspective had changed 100% now that he was faced with his new reality.
Yes, there's no way we can anticipate accurately. Most young people don't think they'd want to live as old people, but it seems different once you get there. There are compensations. And lower expectations. There are so many things I once thought were important that I've since entirely abandoned. There was a time when I, too, might have thought that walking with a cane would be an unacceptable quality of life. Your friend must be young.
I've given lots of thought to what's the minimum I could accept. My working hypothesis is that I'd need most of my mental faculties, eyesight, hearing, the use of one arm (for nose scratching, page turning, and remote control operation <g>), and freedom from pain. I might not be content with that, but less than that would surely be unbearable. Were I, like Terri, not self aware, then I suppose that I wouldn't suffer from being kept alive, but then again I really hate the idea of my estate, which is destined for charity, being wasted keeping me like that when it could be put to some useful purpose. While that wouldn't intrude upon my vegetative state since I would be unable to contemplate it, the prospect of it sure bothers me now.
Unlike most people, I don't have a clear opinion on this case
I can't relate to indifference regarding whether one's wishes as to the disposition of one's self are honored or ignored. |
