Last summer most of my brothers and sisters rafted the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Like all Sargent adventures, conversations ranged far and wide and deep. Yesterday, my brother Wayne emailed the siblings an article, "I Know You Love Me--Now Let Me Die," by a Dr. Louis M. Profeta, with this heading, "A little follow-up on our Grand Canyon conversation."
Here's my response.
I just finished a book Suzanne recommended on the same topic, “When Breath Becomes Air,” and with the one we read last summer, “Being Mortal,” we certainly have a lot to think about. When Jay and I updated our family trust recently, we were advised to name those to whom we give power to relay our desires concerning end of life care—rather than relying on written directives. The reason for this would be these individuals would know our latest wishes rather than forcing the medical staff to abide by what we put in writing and perhaps have changed our minds about. I can’t imagine changing my mind on the basics: no extraordinary means when it’s clear the outcome is being in a "vegetative state,” do not resuscitate if I’m 99 years old and so on; but what if I’m on my way to the hospital in a coma after a serious fall (knock on wood) next week?! Or in ten years? Twenty? (do, do, don’t). Annie and JuliaAnne are our plug pullers, just so you know.
Here's my response.
I just finished a book Suzanne recommended on the same topic, “When Breath Becomes Air,” and with the one we read last summer, “Being Mortal,” we certainly have a lot to think about. When Jay and I updated our family trust recently, we were advised to name those to whom we give power to relay our desires concerning end of life care—rather than relying on written directives. The reason for this would be these individuals would know our latest wishes rather than forcing the medical staff to abide by what we put in writing and perhaps have changed our minds about. I can’t imagine changing my mind on the basics: no extraordinary means when it’s clear the outcome is being in a "vegetative state,” do not resuscitate if I’m 99 years old and so on; but what if I’m on my way to the hospital in a coma after a serious fall (knock on wood) next week?! Or in ten years? Twenty? (do, do, don’t). Annie and JuliaAnne are our plug pullers, just so you know.
Of course, my visiting teachers were here last night. One is a nurse in cardiac care and she says that if a patient’s children are there and even one says “keep mom alive,” they will follow that one, regardless of paperwork or medical power of attorney status. I’ll be eager to hear Saundra on this one.
