I recently read a letter in the Sunday Times from a man that wanted the right to die.
Death – as I have written about many times – is an incredibly complex issue but ‘death by choice’ is one, in the right circumstances, I wholeheartedly agree with.
What are the right circumstances?
Well, there are many … but for me, it revolves around the individuals ability to live a life of fulfilment and contentment.
Of course ‘fulfilment and contentment’ are very subjective things which is why I believe conversations must be had prior to any decision being made to ensure the person is fully aware of the alternatives and implications … however, if they believe the life they are going to live going forward robs them of all the joys they value in their life, then they should be allowed to let go.
I totally understand how hard this is for the family, but these are the moments you have to understand your feelings have to come second to the person going through it all, which is why as heartbroken as I still am about my Mum’s passing, I know she would have hated to endure the slow pain and constant complications that would have happened had she not attempted to have the operation.
That doesn’t make losing her any easier, but it means she was able to maintain her dignity and that to her was everything.
Anyway, read this letter, it gentle, beautiful and sad but with a message at the end that provides food for thought.
