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Open Poetry #19
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Let Them Die With Dignity
| Open Poetry #19 |
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Let Them Die With Dignity |
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Suetang Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187Melbourne, Australia 
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The right to die with dignity Is such a delicate subject to discuss But is now a part of our society And is affecting so many of us There are many pros and cons The 'Right to Lifers' have the loudest voice But those suffering a terminal illness Surely they must have the final choice? How dare you try and play God You have absolutely no right Haven't they suffered enough They have no strength left to fight You abhor their final decision To put an ending to their life But their death will not be bloody For they won't be using a knife Let them make the ultimate decision To free their bodies from constant pain They are not doing this for the attention They are not interested in financial gain All they ask for is your understanding Don't make a spectacle out of their life Keep them out of the public spotlight No one could possibly know what it is like Imagine if this were your loved one And maybe then you might be able to see That in time you will respect their decision And allow them to die with dignity * * * * * I am not religious and I follow no religion but that does not make me a lesser person and I may surprise many with this admission.I may also unsettle some people with what I have written but it is a subject that I have felt very strongly about for some time, epecially as my father came close to being in this position.I have to say that to prolong a persons suffering and the inevitable is inhumane and just not right.We all should be given freedom of choice, especially when it comes to our own lives or lack thereof. People need to show more compassion and a greater undertanding of this very delicate subject and respect the wishes of those who have simply lost all quality of life and who are constantly in pain 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Suetang |
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| © Copyright 2002 Sue Tancheff - All Rights Reserved | |||
Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
Sue this is an excellent poem from you, each of us must at one time or another make our own choices for our own lives. I believe in quality not quantity. Only time will tell enjoy each and every moment of you life, nothing can bring that moment in time back. Measure your time with love, and you will shine, I know it I. Wonderful piece of writing, absolutely wonderful, it must have taken a lot of courage to post this poem and I applaud you for that as well    Love and warm stuff As always Mushy To give light to them that sit in darkness..... to guide our feet into the way of peace Luke 2:79 |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Sue, you have perfectly said what many others feel.... Yet there are still many questions from those involved...on both sides....A hard choice...either way it is decided... |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (big hugggssssssss) Oh Sue, I know just how you feel, I know this must have taken you a lot of heart to write for I too feel so very strongly over this topic. I believe killing someone with lethal injection or any other form like that teaches no one anything and is rather cruel to His ways, I believe the proper punishment is lifetime imprisonment, so that way the guilty conscience can contemplate over ones own faults and seek penitence through God and then think it over and learn to forgive and die in dignity! (big hugggsssssss) I pray that something can be done about these death penalties, sweet friend, I for one support you, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Sue, thank you for sharing, God Bless You!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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Lucie Senior Member
since 1999-06-20
Posts 1077Houston |
The title of this drew me in.. In September of last year my husband was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Chemo and radiation will not help and they have given him three years to live. I know that someday I may be faced with this issue in a very real way. I am many things, a Christian, a woman, a wife. I pray that when the time comes I have the strength to understand... but more then that, I pray I have the strength to let go. |
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Suetang Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187Melbourne, Australia |
I appreciate your comments on such a delicate subject and thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. Lucie I truly hope that my words have not hurt you in any way for that certainly wasn't my intention. I know firsthand what you must be going through as I lost my father to asbestos cancer 3 years ago. My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care......Sue Suetang [This message has been edited by Suetang (03-25-2002 09:17 PM).] |
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Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
I couldn't agree with you more, on this issue, Sue... I think its a topic of utmost importance in today's world. Far too many people are held hostage in their own bodies. Thanks for sharing it.  copyright2002 Lyra Nesius |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I wish people could take away my nightmares of watching my Mother and my best friend disintegrate before my eyes, there is nothing on earth required more strength and compassion than sitting through this with someone you love. I am sure that I am not alone and share these feelings with a lot of people that spent hour upon hour with their loved ones at the same time at that Palliative Care Unit. We would all get to talking during the long nights to each other and all of us admitted after this experience we were definitely for euthanasia. I remember at first three of the people who were talked to couldn't believe we were even discussing such a terrible thing, but sure changed their mind after a few weeks. Sue, this is a controversial subject yes, but if you don’t bring up these things no changes will ever be made. I admire you for tackling this one, and not only did you do it for “them” but you are speaking out for a change for “us”, and I couldn’t agree with you more on this subject. |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Sue: I think anyone who has helplessly watched someone they love die a lingering death, will totally agree with you! You have voiced this problem so well and with sensitivity! Betty Lou Hebert |
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thepoeticplumber Member
since 2001-05-15
Posts 185 |
I have seen people being kept alive just for the sake of keeping them alive. It is such a hard decision to deal with. The person hurting so wants releif. Very well penned on such a difficult subject Sue. Your friend always, Roger |
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Auguste
since 2000-02-16
Posts 3953By the sea |
"How dare you try and play God You have absolutely no right" Sue, If you give permission to have the plug pulled then aren't YOU also playing God? The answer is simple. YES, you are! Both of my parents suffered before their deaths. It's a natural part of life. We aren't animals that should be put to sleep when we're in pain. We're human, we have a soul and only God has the right to determine the end of our lives, NOT us! Though I don't agree with them, I respect your views. Please respect mine as well. Michael |
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Suetang Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187Melbourne, Australia |
Michael I am saddened that this has upset you for it was certainly not my intention to upset ANYONE! I was merely expressing my point of view and don't for a minute expect everyone to agree with how I feel. I too watched my father waste away before my eyes and if it was his wish to die with dignity well I, like the rest of my family, would not have hesitated in adhering to his wishes. As I said I follow no religion and I am not religious but that doesn't make me a lesser person or a disrespectful person in any way. I feel very strongly about this issue and stand by each and every word I said. Suetang [This message has been edited by Suetang (04-01-2002 12:53 AM).] |
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