Legacy MattersWould you want to live the way Terri was?
Amy Wellborn at Open Book responds,
I fully expect to. Oh, not precisely as Terri does, but in some way, certainly. Unless I die a quick, sudden death, and who knows, even if I do, I will probably go through a period of physical and mental incapacitation, of suffering, of decline, of being bedridden and helpless, sick, dying and in pain"
So do I. And yes, I would want to live, if only minimally conscious, until it is time for me to let go my earthly shell. Until then:
I want to feel the sun on my face and cool breezes.
I want to smell lilacs and roses and freesia.
I want to drink cool water, preferably iced.
I want the pleasure of refreshing baths and clean linen sheets.
I want to listen to books on tape.
I want to hear symphonies, Gregorian chants and other favorite music.
I want the delight of seeing friends and family that love me.
I want to hear them tell me old, familiar stories.
I want to have my arms and legs and back massaged with oils.
I want regular visits from my spiritual advisors to help me deal with my fears.
I want the grace of the sacraments.
I want medications to help me deal with pain.
I want to live as intensely as I can for my whole life, even if I can't speak.
I want to love and be loved.
I want to be treated with kindness.
I want to face death bravely, but not before my time.
I do not want to starve to death.