searching for solace
I thought that this week we would delve into the Solace category. And remember, it’s ok to be sad sometimes. https://sassaleeyours.com/category/its-ok-to-be-sad-sometimes/ I play around with my titles (you may have noticed). Today there is no hidden message. In my day to day world we will tell someone to “say when” if we are serving food or a beverage. Meaning that you’ve had enough. My question for you is when is enough, enough? When is it time to…say when?
searching for perspective
In my experience, finding that moment when you can step outside of yourself and do what’s best for a loved one is one of the most unselfish things that you can do. The topic is also one of the most controversial that you can discuss. The question proposed in this post remains the same but the method and the act itself poses the second part of the question.
historically speaking
Twenty-five years ago Jack Kevorkian was convicted of second degree murder. He claimed to have assisted in the deaths of at least 100 people. This was met with a great deal of controversy, outrage and with some, support. The difference that the courts held onto was that he gave these other patients the means to arrange their own deaths. Here he did the act himself. The reason? Because the horrendous disease that Thomas Youk was afflicted with had stolen that last thing from him. The ability to carry out his final wishes. The one thing he had left was to “say when”. https://www.cato.org/commentary/dr-kevorkian-was-convicted-murder-25-years-ago-today
Today, there are 11 states in the U.S. that have legalized physician-assisted suicide. It remains illegal for anyone else to perform this for another individual. It must be administered by the patient themselves. There are other countries that will allow both within certain guidelines..
a different perspective
Many religions consider suicide a mortal, unforgiveable sin. I believe that if a person is suffering from an incurable painful disease then they have the right to call the shots. They should have the right to say what, when and how when it comes to their body. I also think that committing suicide because you are having difficulty coping with the day to day is one of the most selfish things that you can do. There’s a difference. IMHO
It is odd that there is so much controversy regarding a human being making choices about their own life yet we still have 27 states in the U.S. that support the death penalty. That’s another hot topic for you. In the past, when asked if I believed in the death penalty I would say yes. But then I realized that unless I was willing to be that person to pull the lever or administer that injection then to support this act was an unfair expectation for the ‘do-er’.
applying the small print-legally
The medical community has finally come on board and proactively seeks “Advance planning” documents. This includes, Healthcare power of attorney (a designated person who can make medical decisions for you), Living Will (the ability to say no to any extreme measures to prolong life if the condition is incurable and/or a method to have your wishes known if you can’t respond in a medical emergency) and finally, a DNR (do not resuscitate). I strongly encourage you to read my previous post Daring to Care https://sassaleeyours.com/daring-to-care/ if you are unaware or do not have these documents in place.
determining what’s best
We’ve talked quite a bit about people making decisions about themselves. What is equally important are the ones that are sharing and/or supporting those choices. Just as I would find it nearly impossible to commit the act in capital punishment I would propose that there are many that find it difficult to be the one who has to “say when”.
When you see someone (or something) suffer, and you have the ability to do something about it, shouldn’t you? Still today if a horse breaks a leg he is shot. The recovery from that type of injury is almost impossible and would cause the horse a considerable amount of pain. What about that beloved pet? At what point do you, the caregiver, have to decide what is best for the animal, regardless of how you feel personally.
We owe our (human) loved ones no less. When is enough, enough? Extending the lifespan of a person (or animal) suffering for our own comfort or fear of loss is selfish and just a bit inhumane.
when is enough, enough?
A person should have the right to “say when”. When they feel that they’ve had enough. The will to live can be one of the strongest of emotions and making the decision and accepting that the end is here should be respected. And if you are the person that is left to carry out those wishes or make the decision for a pet that relies on you, then find the courage to do the right thing. Say when.