My thoughts as a death doula and former hospice director on one of the most ethically loaded, emotionally charged topics within the deathcare space: Medical Aid in Dying (MAID)
This reminds me of the film, The Sea Inside/Mar adentro (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sea_Inside) - a film we watched in 11th grade Spanish class! We had to reflect on the film afterwards (in Spanish of course) and it was a very vulnerable and kind moment of discussion and care. We deserve the space to explore and contemplate, especially when it comes to something like MAID. Great post and looking forward to the next Death over Coffee.
This may be too controversial. And not everyone will understand this belief. So it’s difficult sharing this. But I believe when it comes to our death, it’s our own free will. It’s our soul’s choice when we leave this physical earth. Regardless of the manner of death (suicide, cancer, accidents, MAID, heart attack) we choose when it’s our time to leave. Not God, but me. Or you. Or the thousands of people around the world dying this moment.
Many people will push back and say, “what about murder? Was it their choice?!
And my answer is yes. Sadly, yes. 💔
It goes much deeper than most can comprehend.
We come here on earth to experience love, joy, grief, fear, hate, happiness, envy. All the things. Which includes when we die.
We think death is the worst outcome anyone can experience. What if death is a gift? A gift the for the person who died and a gift for the living. This life is so beautiful and sacred. And if someone chooses to not suffer towards the end of a terminal illness, that is their choice. There is no right or wrong way to die.
This is most definitely a subjective opinion. Thanks for giving me the space.
What you’re writing is so important. And I am here for it.
Thank you for sharing so openly. Your words made me think of the powerful conversation between Stephen Colbert and Anderson Cooper on grief—how we must be grateful for all of it.
Colbert says: “It’s a gift to exist, and with existence comes suffering, and there’s no escape from that... If you are grateful for your life—which I think is a positive thing to do—then you have to be grateful for all of it. You can’t pick and choose what you’re grateful for.”
This reminds me of the film, The Sea Inside/Mar adentro (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sea_Inside) - a film we watched in 11th grade Spanish class! We had to reflect on the film afterwards (in Spanish of course) and it was a very vulnerable and kind moment of discussion and care. We deserve the space to explore and contemplate, especially when it comes to something like MAID. Great post and looking forward to the next Death over Coffee.
I also watched this in Spanish class! Must re-watch now. Thanks for sharing.
This may be too controversial. And not everyone will understand this belief. So it’s difficult sharing this. But I believe when it comes to our death, it’s our own free will. It’s our soul’s choice when we leave this physical earth. Regardless of the manner of death (suicide, cancer, accidents, MAID, heart attack) we choose when it’s our time to leave. Not God, but me. Or you. Or the thousands of people around the world dying this moment.
Many people will push back and say, “what about murder? Was it their choice?!
And my answer is yes. Sadly, yes. 💔
It goes much deeper than most can comprehend.
We come here on earth to experience love, joy, grief, fear, hate, happiness, envy. All the things. Which includes when we die.
We think death is the worst outcome anyone can experience. What if death is a gift? A gift the for the person who died and a gift for the living. This life is so beautiful and sacred. And if someone chooses to not suffer towards the end of a terminal illness, that is their choice. There is no right or wrong way to die.
This is most definitely a subjective opinion. Thanks for giving me the space.
What you’re writing is so important. And I am here for it.
Thank you for sharing so openly. Your words made me think of the powerful conversation between Stephen Colbert and Anderson Cooper on grief—how we must be grateful for all of it.
Colbert says: “It’s a gift to exist, and with existence comes suffering, and there’s no escape from that... If you are grateful for your life—which I think is a positive thing to do—then you have to be grateful for all of it. You can’t pick and choose what you’re grateful for.”
Here's the full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB46h1koicQ
Thank you for keeping an open heart and mind.
I can’t wait to listen to this interview. I appreciate the share.
Keep shining your light and doing your thing 😊