>In this situation, I know that all honest Christians, regardless of the tenets of their belief, can see the face of the suffering Christ in Terri Schiavo. "I was thirsty and you gave me a drink" "I was hungry and you gave me food" - that popped into my mind a lot since I became aware of this case.<
I think you are right. In addition, if asked, almost all people will admit, "I would not want to live like Terri"; but if put in that place, would accept the condition, realizing that we are not promised a life without suffering, but we are promised that God will be with us always.
No one would choose to live like that. She probably isn't aware of it anyway. But her life is precious and she shouldn't be treated worse than it is legal to treat an animal.
We have a sort of similar situation in my extended family... heart attack, no oxygen for 3 to 5 minutes. Lots of suffering for everyone concerned. But I realized a while ago that this situation has the capacity to make saints out of people... it brings out unselfishness and love and a whole lot of wonderful things in people - due to the suffering of the one who had the heart attack. He is the vehicle for a lot of graces.