March 31, 2005

This is all a gut-wrenching mystery. I know that I wouldn't want any extraordinary efforts extended for my continued "survival". And, I wouldn't want to put my loved ones in the position of having to guess what my wishes were.
My mom died 15 years ago in January after a very fast illness the night we moved to this area. She had a living will. We were lucky since it didn't involve an extended illness. But, I still think about it.
Having gone through cancer surgery and signed advanced directives I certainly would not want my family to have to drag things on.
I'm conflicted about the feeding tube thing-depends on age, type of injury/illness, etc. I know if it were my children I'd hang on with every breath in my body. I would also not want to be responsible for making my family have to, essentially, deprive me of basic nutrients.

However,however, unless they have a homicide case against Michael Schiavo, which they should have presented before all this, I have a huge problem with the government being involved in this decision, at all.

I really don't know enough to be certain about this incident.

Thanks hon. I truly struggle with this. I want a living will. I just don't know where to draw the lines in it.

(Initially, I thought the idea of appointing someone else to be one's "voice" was insane. Now I wonder if that might be the way to go...a very trusted person, with nothing to gain either way, of course. : D)

Unfortunately, the only "living will" I have is of the oral variety, wherein a shout hoarsely to the person next to me in the bar: DO NOT RESUCITATE!!!"

On a happy note, I have plenty of witnesses, should my attorney be able to track them down.

I think Key, has an excellent idea. The appointing of a neutral party to speak for us in the event that we can not, should be something we all consider.
Knowing your history with you ex, I can imagine that you know all too well the heartache she could have caused your family should she have had any say so in making final decisions for you. A spouse is NOT always the person in whom we want to entrust our lives.

I have a living will...I wouldn't want my loved ones carrying that burden..I don't want them to have to face this decision..I just want them to abide by my wishes.

I have a living will and soon, all the kids will have a copy. It does spell out in detail what I want, "if I am unable to make those decisions" and appoints two of them to see that they are carried out. A copy goes to all so there were be no fighting about it later since I won't be around to kick the rears of those who might speak against it.

Anyone interested in a living will should visit this site
http://www.nrlc.org/euthanasia/willtolive/StatesList.html
You can download the PDF file for your state and fill it out. It is legally binding and you don't need some asshole lawyer.

I have a feeling Acidman's living will consists of five words: "Pull the got-damned plug!"

Of course, I've been wrong before.

Strider, you ain't far off.