do not apologize, your post is very insightful, you are sharing a great depth of life experience with this very matter....all I can say is wow
this is a hard issue for everyone to deal with at the best of times and if nothing else comes out of this tragedy, it has forced people to talk about this issue and living wills as it applies to themselves
it is interesting that your husband was honest and said he didn't think he could respect your wishes, this happens more than we think, and you took that further step to appoint your son
the reality is everyone has a different opinion on this difficult subject and, eh hem, fellow freepers, everyone's opinion ought to be respected
my own opinion is my opinion on the subject matter has not changed, I would have not wanted to live in a PVS when I was 26 and if I were terminally ill, I'd like the option to get an injection to take me away peacefully......
and now having seen loved ones suffer and die, I am more convinced, not less......
Thanks for your kind reply...it sounds as if you have made the decisions for yourself, after your own personal experiences, and after much thought....
We all should let our loved ones know what we want, should we not be able to speak for ourselves...too often, tho, folks think the subject matter is morbid, and dont want to discuss it...
I really felt uncomfortable today, asking my son what he would want for himself, should that situation arise...I thought I might get back his usual snappy retort, that come on Mom, nothing bad is going to happen to me...
But he really was receptive, perhaps even really glad that I had asked him...as my husband stated, considering our sons lifestyle, it was imperative that I ask him...our son goes skiing, snowboarding, bungee jumping(stupid, I know), kayaking, jet skiing, motor boating, has mountain climbed up the Everest base camp, has gone glacier stomping, white water rafting, visits countries where I know its not safe, almost lost his life outrunning a marsh mugger gator in Nepal, and such....he does seem to live on the edge...
Couple his 'exciting' lifestyle, with just the normal dangers in life, and I am glad that at least now, I know his medical wishes, should he ever get to that point...
Again, thanks for your kind comments...