<p>This is a thought-provoking article that I thought was very well written.</p>
<p>[100</a> things, leading to a single choice - Los Angeles Times](<a href=“http://articles.latimes.com/print/2009/jul/26/opinion/oe-welsh26]100”>Meaning of life)</p>
<p>It is indeed a well-written article by a person with a terminal illness. Others with terminal illnesses may not be ready for death, and they cling to life to finish their “100 things” even if there is no chance they will. But for those who have no chance of recovery and are kept alive with machines and/or heavy medications AND they are ready “to pass”, I think they should be allowed the dignity to choose to die.</p>
<p>Thank you for posting that article, HImom. It made a big difference in my outlook today. I was starting my day in a depressed mode, and that article puts some things in perspective for me. </p>
<p>My next-door neighbor died from ALS. It truly is a cruel disease. They had to move to a one-story house, and he was able to stay at home till his death about two years later.</p>
<p>Thanks for reminding me that every day is a gift.</p>
<p>I was an oncology nurse for many years and saw many, many deaths. My BIL died from ALS just about 4 years ago. It is by far the worst death I have ever witnessed. Like the author my BIL refused intubation but did have a feeding tube. The ‘locked-in’ phenomenom of ALS is so cruel.
Very insightful essay. God help him.</p>
<p>There are many progressive conditions where the patient could benefit if they do NOT use all available means to keep the heart beating and O2 being pumped into the lungs. Not every patient needs surgery and other intensive intervention in the last year of his/her life, though records show this often happens, even for patients who are in their twilight years. This is another perspective that makes sense to me, in contexts beyond simply ALS.</p>
<p>I have a progressive chronic health condition. As others with this condition reach the end of their lives, many end up hospitalized more and more often. At some point, many decides the balance tips the other way and choose to go to the next phase of their lives with dignity and that makes great sense to me.</p>
<p>Beautiful article. I think I’m going to put a copy of it with my living will.</p>
<p>So logical and touching.</p>