I have a close relative, a lady aged 63, dying of a disease known as PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy). She is at the stage where her vital systems are shutting down, she cannot see, speak coherently or stand unsupported. Soon she will not be able to swallow without a tube.
She is Christian, world travelled, a nurse by profession – and knows exactly what lies ahead. She was once ‘the life of the party” and a center of gaiety wherever she went. She recently wrote me this letter:
'What I actually believe is that God gives me opportunities – He frequently gives me a second chance – and this is an opportunity to get closer to Him. He has done this all my life. He loves me very much and wants me to be with Him in heaven for all eternity. I know this. I harbour no bitterness at all. I am very clear on this. '
You might say how fortunate that her faith gives her such courage, and how sad that so many in similar circumstances can't be offered a better end than what Drs. Kevorkian and Pollock promote as 'death with dignity”.
Dignity is defined as 'worthy, honoured or esteemed”. It has little to do with how deteriorated or emaciated we become.
Who then has the real dignity – my relative or the one who despairingly takes an overdose?
Don Brebner., Chairman,
Voice for Life B.O.P. Charitable Trust.