Question 2 ~ Given the Choice....

This past Sunday was the most difficult day I have had in memory. My loyal, loving best friend, "Baby", took her final breaths with her head in my lap. She
was a 15 year old German Shepherd who was well known on our farm for being
friendly and patient with everyone she came in contact with, children, elderly
and handicapped would flock to her and she would comfort them every time. On
Sunday morning she was in a lot of pain, suffering each breath. I had to do
what no one wants to do. She was euthanized by her vet. I tell you this,
because, had I been selfish and not been able to let her rest, I would have
been "inhumane".

We do this for our pets that have become members of our family. We do this because of the love we have for them so overwhelms us, the thought of them spending any time in pain is one that cuts us to the core. Why do we not do allow this option for our human loved ones?

Last December I was told that I have 18 to 24 months to live. I have no intention of proving my doctor and other doctors correct, but living with a terminal
disease, one tends to think of the end of life more than someone without a
diagnosis as such.

I am aware that when the time does come, the time that I intend to avoid at all
costs, I will spend the final 3 to 5 months slowly suffocating as my organs
fail one at a time. This will be painful beyond measure, frightening beyond
words and worst of all; my young children will witness this. The disease I
have, a rare genetic disease, has no cure and at this time does not even have a
treatment that is accepted.

Now, given my projected "life span" (again, which I have no intention of
adhering to), this does not mean that in October of next year... in theory 20
of the 24 months... I will run out to fill a prescription. I just would like
the opportunity that when I know that I am on my downhill spiral, preferably
many many years from now, from which there is no chance of a turnaround that I
can be home, with my children, my parents, my family, and my closest friends,
that I can be surrounded by those I love and those who love me. I would like to
be able to salvage my memories with my children, and let them hold onto those
moments instead of watching the painful slow suffering that I will otherwise
endure.

Please, when you vote on Question 2 on November 6th, keep me in mind - more
importantly, keep my children in mind. I am not saying that I will use this method; I will keep fighting so long as I can. I am only asking that you not take this option from me, from my family, from others in similar situations.  Do not be blind that it could be anyone of you who must walk in my shoes, but by the Grace of God, most of you do not have to contemplate in this manner.

Please vote YES on Question 2 November 6th. It is not a matter of life and death; it is a matter of allowing the patient who is dying his or her final choice, their
final wishes and their final gift to their loved ones.