[William Wallace]

As the parent of a "non-cognitive, vegetative state" 16-year-old, who was, by all medical experts, not destined to live more than six months, I offer advice. Seize the opportunity to honor life, in all its forms. A body not constrained by the pettiness of appearance or consumed by the drive of ambition is a glimpse of the purity of heaven. Spend fleeting moments in the company of these angels. They will leave us all too soon, even with their feeding tubes intact. The veil between the eternities and this world turns transparent when you look into what medical science calls "non-responsive eyes." When you catch a glimpse of that beyond you will wonder, "Who wouldn't want to live in their utopia?"

And I do mean live.

Thanks Marvin.

I've been there, and it is a humbling and blessed joy to spend a few precious moments taking care of one of God's wounded angels.

Choose life.

[Explorer89]

I followed your link, and that was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen posted on FR. Thank you.

[Explorer89]

Go to the link in Reply 37.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

As the parent of a "non-cognitive, vegetative state" 16-year-old, who was, by all medical experts, not destined to live more than six months, I offer advice. Seize the opportunity to honor life, in all its forms.

This essay was beautiful.

~~~

Matthew taught me the real worth of life cannot be measured, quantified or predicted in advance. He needed help from a lot of people to live a modest life, but the time, energy and sacrifice freely given by so many perfect strangers on his behalf, he repaid it all ten times over with an astonishing capacity for love that flowed freely from his wounds.

This one was awesome.

Thank you, William.

(Hugs)