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The Human Right To Die

Must we insist that all life is worth living When circumstances prove that's not true? Some people’s lives depend on caregiving, Their pain so intense they often will rue The day they were born, and they realize No panaceas lie in their distant future, Any glimmer of hope failing to materialize All is misery! …no meaning or structure. I’ve heard some pray, “God take me away!” With systems failing, and unbearable pain It is time to go if one chooses that way Choosing when to go is in a person’s brain. Written July 20, 2022

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I Am Anaya

Date: 9/4/2022 11:02:00 PM

there is a form my primary Dr. gave me to fill. Your preferences for medical care if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. Advance directives guide choices for doctors and caregivers if you're terminally ill, seriously injured, in a coma, in the late stages of dementia or near the end of life.... I haven't decided yet.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/5/2022 8:04:00 AM

I believe so. I have what is called a "living will." I don't want to be "kept" alive. Dying is something that is or will be common to all of us. I just hope to go peacefully!

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/22/2022 9:30:00 PM

This is the saddest thing in the world to see with a loved one "I’ve heard some pray, “God take me away!”" - and many of us have, wondering WHY the need for so much sorrow and pain?

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/23/2022 9:14:00 AM

I have wondered that very thing. Why should suffering before death be such a major part of the transition? Wouldn't it be fine, if when the time comes for us, the lights could just go out!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/20/2022 7:30:00 PM

Interesting... I think that the norm is that we pull the trigger. Only occasionally does the gunman pull it first...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/21/2022 8:37:00 AM

I always look forward to your comments, gw. I'm not sure I always understand them, but I nod my head and say, "Well, that's Gershon!"

Rico Leffanta

Date: 7/20/2022 6:38:00 PM

It would all be much easier if we stopped listening to people who claim to speak for a god that is apparently incapable of speaking lucidly . . .

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/20/2022 6:56:00 PM

Perhaps, Rico, but when it comes to personalizing the matter of life and death, it is not so easy as it seems.

Michael Tor

Date: 7/20/2022 12:37:00 PM

I know you wrote how you feel Milton. Interesting write. I surely see your point. When someone is suffering severely, I tend to agree with you. It is a very difficult subject for me. Those that say the Bible says Not to kill, well how about when in war, or self defense. There are mitigating circumstances that allow you to kill biblically. I really feel that it would be OK in God's eyes. I'm not a 100% sure but I'm leaning more on ending suffering, and helping people end their misery. Got me...

Michael Tor
Date: 7/20/2022 2:34:00 PM

Wow Milton, in your case I think you did the right thing. You had hope all the way through the process and did not want to give up no matter what the odds of her living. Sometimes our hearts make the decision for us instead of our brains. I again agree with you on your decision. I don't think I could do it either, I guess every case is different...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/20/2022 1:27:00 PM

It's something we all must come to decide for ourselves. I'm not sure there is a right and wrong. When my Deb was so sick and terminal, the doctor said "Four of these will do it." I knew what he was saying, but I could not bring myself to do that and she was too sick to give me any guidance, although I know she felt as I do about suffering. She died two weeks later. I knew what the doctor, who knew what she was and would be going through, was telling me. I could not do it, though.

Michael Tor
Date: 7/20/2022 12:39:00 PM

thinking on this one Milton. Let us hope we never have to face this situation. I sincerely though tend to agree with you on this matter. Who wants anyone to suffer severely.Enjoy your day and thank you for posting...

Tom Cunningham

Date: 7/20/2022 12:18:00 PM

Thought provoking piece Milton, I. Know many travel to Switzerland to end their lives because of their illness or excruciating pain. Its often been said that if an animal was in so much pain we'd do the right thing and put it to sleep. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/20/2022 12:21:00 PM

There is much to be said for that rationale, Tom. I had an uncle who took his own life. He was suffering desperately from bone cancer. I understood, although I suspect many didn't.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 7/20/2022 12:07:00 PM

I agree 100%, Milton! Well said…

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/20/2022 12:22:00 PM

Thank you, Ilene. I know there are many different points of view. I just felt an urge to share mine.

David Kavanagh

Date: 7/20/2022 11:54:00 AM

We’re getting into choppy water here Milton, the pros and cons, the rights and wrongs, but on the whole I tend to agree with your poem, unfortunately some of these cases do go to court, and a judge may decide, but if it’s not written into your country’s constitution it’s very unlikely to succeed, food for thought here Milton, great topic and fine poem, cheers David

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/20/2022 12:23:00 PM

Thank you, David. I knew it would raise a few eyebrows when I wrote it, but I was not trying to be convincing or persuasive...just laying out what I see and feel. Each person has to come to his/her own way of thinking, indeed.