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You're wrong! She's been nourished this way because her husband denied her the therapy that would allow her to get better. I've said this before, I have pictures of my brother in nearly the same state as Teri (we didn't allow him to get the drop foot, or his hand muscles to atrophy like Michael Shiavo has ordered for his wife.) He came home with a feeding tube. It's been an 11 year journey so far. He now eats on his own (although there is a choking hazzard, so someone has to be with him during meal times) He doesn't understand why he got hurt and hasn't had full restoration yet, he's not necessarily rational all the time either (but I'm not sure I know anyone that is). Not one of us wishes he wasn't here now, we're all so thankful he made it. He's loved very much and he loves much. Who cares what a rational person might or might not want. He would not be where he is today, if he didn't have a mom who was there every step of the way and FOUGHT for his therapy and worked hard for 11 years with him. I feel so much empathy for the Shiavo family.

Life isn't fair, and life doesn't throw the punches we all wish it did. But we must not allow someone who doesn't meet our standards of rationality to be literally starved and thrown away. This isn't about the right to die with dignity, this is a case someone choosing to kill another with the court's blessing.

"...She's been nourished this way because her husband denied her the therapy that would allow her to get better. I've said this before, I have pictures of my brother in nearly the same state as Teri (we didn't allow him to get the drop foot, or his hand muscles to atrophy like Michael Shiavo has ordered for his wife.) He came home with a feeding tube. It's been an 11 year journey so far. He now eats on his own (although there is a choking hazzard, so someone has to be with him during meal times) He doesn't understand why he got hurt and hasn't had full restoration yet, he's not necessarily rational all the time either (but I'm not sure I know anyone that is). Not one of us wishes he wasn't here now, we're all so thankful he made it. He's loved very much and he loves much. Who cares what a rational person might or might not want. He would not be where he is today, if he didn't have a mom who was there every step of the way and FOUGHT for his therapy and worked hard for 11 years with him. I feel so much empathy for the Shiavo family."

"Life isn't fair, and life doesn't throw the punches we all wish it did. But we must not allow someone who doesn't meet our standards of rationality to be literally starved and thrown away. This isn't about the right to die with dignity, this is a case someone choosing to kill another with the court's blessing."

Justche, I am so sorry about your sweet brother, but I am so GLAD that he is doing much better. I had a somewhat similar experience with my little sister, who benefitted GREATLY from therapy to re-learn to swallow. I was with her during this therapy. It is INCREDIBLE. These therapists work WONDERS. Micheal SPECIFICALLY deinied Terri this basic help. God bless you and your brother justche. And thank you for your heartfelt post.

I'd like other FReepers to see your brother's story. And I thank you for sharing it here.

You are correct. Terri choose to end her life instead of living like a vegetable. You would do the same. Or is "living" to you following a mickey mouse balloon around?