[Action-America]

I have not been following this particular case, so I can't comment on the merits of either side's argument. Even so, I must admit that, from the limited amount of information provided in the above article, it would seem that Michael Schiavo "may" have motives that "may" not be consistent with Terri's wishes.  But then, I've only heard one side of the argument.  Let's just say that I am "concerned" and leave it at that.

The reason that I cannot be more than "concerned" is rooted in my own psyche.  Knowing all of the crazy things that I do, most of my friends would say that I am fearless.  Not so.  It's just that I know how to handle most types of fear and feed on it.  I have jumped out of perfectly good airplanes, flown hang gliders and ultralights, hand fed moray eels, climbed vertical rocks with out a safety line, raced motorcycles and drag boats, bungee jumped from bridges and done a hundred other crazy things.  I can attest to the absolute truth of the statement, "You will never truly live, until you risk life."  In fact, I feel sorry for - no, correct that - I truly pity all of those people who think that just walking around, breathing, eating and procreating is living.

I thrive on fear.  I make it my friend.  I use it to become a better person.  But, there is one fear that I have never come close to conquering.  I fear that I will grow old and die in my sleep.  It's not the growing old that bothers me - it's the possibility of not being awake to face death when it comes.  But, when I think of someone like Terri Schiavo, who even if she were to some day be able to feed herself, will never be able to truly live, that fear pales in comparison.

I have no way of knowing what is in her mind.  But, another thing that I know, is that I can't even begin to imagine the absolute, utter panic and despair that I would live with every day for the rest of my life, should I ever find myself in such a position, knowing that I would never again be able to truly live - knowing that I would never again be able to feel the exhilaration as the ground rushes up to meet me - knowing that I would never again be able to feel the hair bristle on the back of my neck when I realize that there are half a dozen sharks swimming between me and the dive boat - knowing that every day for the rest of my life would be the same - over and over and over and over and...  I cannot imagine a more painful excuse for life.

I don't know what her wishes are or ever were.  But, I pity her having to endure her 13 year ordeal.  I don't wish to sound crass, but in my own opinion, I would think that she would be fortunate to be vegetative all this time, so she would not have to face the monotony that has become every day of her life.  If I ever reach that stage, I don't want someone to pull the plug.  I would want them to push me out of an airplane... without a parachute.  That way, if I were in the least cognitive, I would be able to experience that last rush.

Personally, if I could choose how I would die, it would be like the Harry Stamper character (Bruce Willis), in Armageddon - on my own terms, in a big ball of fire, with the whole world watching, while saving the world.  Wow!  What a way to go!  I would just hope that time doesn't come too soon.  I've still got a lot of living to do.  There's a bridge down in South Africa (Blaaukrans bridge) that's just calling my name (216 meter bungee jump - over 5 seconds of freefall).  Now, that's living!

 

[MHGinTN]

" ... so she would not have to face the monotony that has become every day of her life." Son, that monotony has been purposefully instituted by her abusive, adulterous, slimeball husband whom judge Greer continues to protect as the guardian and sole determiner of Terri's life course. Live dangerously, AA, read up on the topics which you address.

[Arpege92]

You and your "no fear" attitude must have been a real nightmare for your mom. :-}

[skr]

Considering her medical problems, Terry must have a very strong will to live, or it seems as though she would've died long ago. I can't imagine wanting to live that way, but then again I don't know what she gets out of life even under such circumstances. None of us know how precious life, even a very limited one, would be to us in a similar situation. Whereas one person thinks bungee-jumping makes life worth living, another may think seeing the smile on a loved one's face makes for a perfect day.

[Ethan_Allen]

You sound like you could be a stunt person for a living, or a writer for Adventure. It sounds like you live an exciting, fulfilling life. Others find their lives fulfilling as well, although they may lack the excitement of yours. I present you the story of Hugh Finn and Terry Schiavo. Hugh was full of life, but became disabled. Note his reaction when his father told him that his wife was going to kill him:

"...Michele called for a meeting in June at the nursing home where the Medical Director, Dr. Robin Merlino, announced they were going to "terminate" Hugh's feeding the next day. The announcement, a bombshell, sparked immediate objections from the family. Michele was determined. According to Tom Finn, a few days later she "chewed my head off and wanted to know why I wouldn't do what she wanted." Doctors had told her Hugh was in persistent vegetative state (PVS) and would never recover. He wouldn't want to live like that, Michele insisted. Finn was so angry over the exchange he told Hugh Michele was going to kill him, an act he immediately regretted. "[Hugh's] face turned red. He pinched his lips in. His hands were on his chest grabbing [at his clothing]. He shivered and shivered for 45 minutes. I had begun to believe what the doctors said [about PVS], but then I knew. 'You do understand!'",,," http://www.catholicmediacoalition.com/euthanasia.htm

Do we have the right to be arbiters for whether or not someone's life has value according to our standards, and then decide to starve and dehydrate them to death? This is what happened to Hugh, and is scheduled to happen to Terri. With Hugh, as with Terri, the truth was manipulated to accomplish the agendas of those who wanted these people dead.

Please, maybe you could also find the time to read the letters from Terri's family.
[I started this post yesterday - please see my post above]

You should also know that Michael may have been the cause of Terri's collapse ( she had multiple unexplained injuries and a neck a doctor said he had seen on only one other patient - a strangulation victim). This was never investigated. So is it OK now for a husband (who is living with another woman, and who has one child with her and another on the way) to possibly attempt murder on his wife, and then have the judicial system finish what he started, and reward him with the money awarded to his wife for her rehabilitation? These are just a few of the issues in this case. There are more. You don't sound like the type of person who would condone this.

[honeygrl]

"I truly pity all of those people who think that just walking around, breathing, eating and procreating is living."

No need to pity us procreators. :) We are very happy chasing our children around and watching them mature and learn new things. Children give you a whole new level of fear to feed off of. :)

[sport]

I have a feeling that her life is as precious to her as your life is to you.