This largely informs my disgust at his politicizing of his illness to deny rights to other people. He is not in pain, although he may soon need mechanical help to breathe, and his choices about his life are his own to make (hopefully with input from his wife). But I cannot forgive that he is using his “position” to fight against laws that give people in excruciating pain to end this cycle and start the next. Most people would extend mercy to dogs and horses in pain who cannot be cured. I don’t understand the need to deny it to humans.

My grandmother got a few months’ notice. While those were difficult times, she was elated (when not in pain) because she was 88 and had been widowed for 9 years and while she was always content, she was ready to go and glad for the chance to plan her funeral in a very real way, not the hazy “here’s what I want someday” way people do for wills and such.

The time spent with her in that brief period was filled with rich with lessons and powerful emotions. While I wouldn’t wish the pain on anyone, I’m glad she – and we – knew her mortal life was drawing to a close.

My house of faith came crashing down later that year. That was a bit rough because I no longer could feel confident that she was living on eternally. That, I suppose, is making me appreciate this life all the more.

xJane, what are your feelings on life beyond this one? How does that inform your relationship with your father?

& thank you, Sean: it should be fixed.

(Btw, if anyone else has trouble with the video, I found it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSasf8GBfV4)