Replies

OK I wanna add my two cents. I am a nurse and have experience with many areas that apply here; care for long term disabled patients, rehab of people with swallowing difficulties, hospice patients, helping people write living wills, and observing "do not resusitate" orders--all of this in Florida. I am also NOT Christian (I am american indian) so my perspective is not from what is termed a so-called "mob" view.

1)In my own humble experience, this case stinks to the limit.This woman is NOT in a vegetative state and anyone who insists she is, is lying. The videos and pics make that bluntly obvious. The state of Florida has many protective laws for the safety of the disabled. I've cared for many people not capable of oral nutrition and they still had a quality to their life that they enjoyed. Being with their loved ones, smiles and hugs, small shows of affection is what made these people smile. No one dare say their quality of life isnt worth it to them and suggest we pull the plug. That is no ones right to decide except for the person who lives it. Why is it different with Terri?

2)A Living Will must be signed BY THE PATIENT THEMSELVES in order to be valid--word of mouth isnt enough when relatives cannot agree. The only time the decision is made by relatives is when they ALL agree and there is nothing from any of them to gain from that persons demise.

Each Living Will should be specific in what that person would refuse--it is very different person to person. In a case like this, with such anger--and DEFINITELY where the spouse will inherit a million dollars at the patients death, people should tread warily and make SURE of Terris wishes --both before and NOW.

Living Wills are for people that cannot communicate their own wishes--I strongly question Terris ability to communicate, since all rehab and testing is being withheld. DO the tests!

Living wills kick in when a tragic occurance befalls someone--I also strongly question the enforcement of "word of mouth" wishes 13 years AFTER the tragedy and I wonder why her husband didnt communicate this "wish" on her part immediately, but waited until years after he got tired of her, found a mistress and fathered two children, refused to let the money awarded for Terris healthcare be used for that care, doesnt care to visit his "wife" but does NOT allow the family that DID stand beside her many years to see her--despite the emotional harm it would bring to Terri by their absence.

3)Anyone who withholds ORAL nutrition from a patient better make damn sure that they do not possess the ability for rehab (by testing swallowing ability by cerified experts) or they are now in violation of HER constitional rights in allowing her death. This ability CAN change with time and should be tested again-NOW...Especially when life and death situations depend on the results.

I see no problem with feeding Terri via feeding tube if she isnt adverse to it. There are questions to be answered here--Terri is not in a vegitative state--She does show reactions. Does Terri have directed hand movement? Has she tried to pull the tube out? Does she get upset when the tube is attached or is it a normal daily occurence to her? Many things can show her attitude towards it. Lets get some answers.

This could all be concluded two different ways to be fair to Terri;

1) Michael should divorce the woman he no longer loves--that much is obvious, he has no feelings for her besides her money. But if he divorces her, he would not be legally able to inherit the money he so desperately covets.

2) Someone should file a lawsuit for the caregivers/hospitals that rendered care to Terri to force the release of HER money to pay for her past care and future needs. Of course Michael wont allow that to happen--does this leave any doubt that his interests here are ONLY THE MONEY?

A woman who is hurt under suspicious circumstances, should never have to trust her life and well being to that man again.

A man who years ago, started living as another womans common-law husband, should NOT be considered Terris next of kin now--and should NOT benefit from her death-especially when it is directed/ordered by HIM.

This is NOT about Living Wills, the Right to Die or arbitrary laws--it is about a living, breathing, caring person NOT being allowed to simply live--HER first amendment rights.
"Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"

HER life, HER choice.

Did we forget her?

PS This isnt Hospices fault--they are as much a pawn as Terri herself is. Im sure the husbands attorney is threatening them at every move. They have to obey whatever guardian is in effect--and Im SURE they are close to Terri and Terri's family also since they visit frequently. No, not every patient admitted to hospice dies within 6 months, that is a determination made by a dr BEFORE admitting to Hospice, but situations do change--You see for yourself that Terri has now been alive for 13 years past this horrible tragedy, please give them some credit for loving their patients. The Hospice I worked for even discharged patients and we celebrated when we did. They will celebrate the day Michael is removed as guardian. I would bet on it. Pray for them too, this must be agonizing for them.