[editor’s note, by pastordan]—Promoted by pastordan. Important stuff here. I haven’t taken care of it. Have you?
The pure ghoulishness surrounding the Terry Schiavo case has caused more than one person of my acquaintance to turn away sickened whenever her name is mentioned in the media or conversation. I understand entirely. The GOP transformed what should have been a private matter into a pro-“life” circus, three whole rings filled with partisan ass-clownery, politicos seeking political advantage from personal pain.
We had confirmed today what Schiavo’s doctors – the ones who actually examined her and had credentials relevant to her condition – had months ago told her husband, her parents and siblings and, because of the rightwing-generated publicity, the rest of us: Schiavo was no more than a living cadaver when her feeding tube was removed.
No empathetic person would wish on their worst enemy the public spectacle that accompanied Terry Schiavo’s departure. But everyone owes her a debt for reminding us to do all that we can to ensure that what happened to her doesn’t happen to us. Today offers another reminder.
In the weeks leading up to Schiavo’s final breath, I heard dozens of people say – and uncountable others write comments at numerous blogs – that they were going to tell family and relatives in writing about what exactly they would wish done (and not done) should something awful happen to them.
So. Have you done it? No?
I understand. We all have a lot on our minds. And on the blogs, we’re off to a new topic every half nano-second.
Even if you have gotten your wishes down in writing, but you moved recently or picked a generic form to fill out, legalities vary widely from state to state, so there is some dispute about whether Living Wills and advance directives are “portable.” It makes sense to update. Moreover, the results of some court cases indicate you should be as specific as possible.
You can find some good information about all this at the ABA Commission on Law and Aging, and get forms from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
Don’t put it off. Think of your friends and family. If you should wind up – gawd forbid – like Terry Schiavo, they will be the ones who are devastated.
Cross-posted at The Next Hurrah.
