Terry Schiavo
Thu., March 24, 02:07 PM
I didn’t want to write about this – not because I don’t have opinions, but because I try not to speculate on other people’s private lives. I’m offended for so many reason, but perhaps there is something to be gained from this tragedy.
It is a tragedy that a young woman died fifteen years ago and was prevented from finishing the job. I don’t know if it was a doctor’s ego or a parent’s guilt; nevertheless, I am so sorry that she is not being allowed to die in peace.
It is a tragedy that what should be private to the family has become a public affair. As much as I can understand the parents’ anguish at losing a child, I can’t understand their hanging it all out for inspection.
I am offended by a mother who begs, “Please save my little girl.” Madam, she is no longer your “little girl.” Fifteen years ago, when she suffered the injuries that put her into this condition, she was already a grown woman with a husband. You are supposed to allow her to grow up, and evidently you don’t wish to do so.
I am offended by strangers who picket and pray outside a hospice, not to mention trying to sneak in with food and water. Is that compassion or a bid for publicity? How many times do I have to say it, you do not have the right to tell other people how to live their lives.
I am offended by a government that thinks it has to get into the act. An emergency Sunday session of Congress to pass a bill (that I don’t even think is constitutional), followed by a special plane trip back to Washington so that Mr. Dubya can sign the bill. Is that “compassion” or politics? Let me go on record, you guys, that I will never vote for any of you who voted for that bill!
I can’t tell you how much I am offended by a lawyer who brings religion into the argument. “Terry Schiavo is a Roman Catholic, and removing the feeding tube jeopardizes her entry into heaven, because the Pope said…” It’s a bogus argument, even if you accept the religion; when is the last time she made confession or accepted communion? It doesn’t matter. The God Who created Terry Schiavo’s soul will take care of it; what the rest of the world does will not affect her ultimate salvation. That argument implicates a lot of other people – her nurses and doctors, her husband, millions of other people who have written living wills – but it doesn’t say a word about a lawyer who threatens the court with eternal damnation. Where do you suppose he’ll wind up?
What is the point of all of this? Can we gain anything from this monstrous situation. Yes, I think we can. We can protect ourselves. To begin with, you might want to consider creating a living will or a power of attorney. Laws vary from state to state but, for example, my certified document gives my “attorney-in-fact” the right to control my medical care if I am unable to do so. He would take into consideration the advice of my physician and my family, but the power is his.
Even more important than the document is talking with your family and close friends. Husband and I discussed organ donation and “extreme measures” years ago. Our wishes are known, not only by each other but by our children. My children have made similar statements to us and to their spouses (or intended spouses).
You’d like to think it would never come to that. You imagine that you’re too young to have to worry about that now. It could happen tomorrow. Talk to each other.
May I never have to write about this again.
