Let It Be Known

IF:

1. I should ever enter a state where I am unable to effectively communicate with the outside world by means of sound, movement, or thought; and
   
2. I am rendered incapacitated, vegetative, immobile, enfeebled, paralyzed, comatose, grossly impaired, or otherwise seriously and very likely permanently handicapped; and
   
3. my prospects for recovery in both the former and latter situations are grim;

THEN I do not want to have my life medically prolonged, drawn-out, or extended thirty days beyond the moment all three are confirmed by no less than my primary physician (or whomever passes for it), any remaining close friends and family, and an independent, respected, competent specialist in each particular field that relates to my case.

I want no "heroic measures" taken. If I cannot communicate to my friends and family what I want done when bed-ridden and if I may be doomed to an existence of stillness and mercy at someone's hands, I do not want to experience it. That isn't a life I wish to live. This is a choice I reserve to me and me alone because it is a choice that only I can justly make.

This is not an April Fool's joke.

Posted by Drizzten at April 01, 2005 04:47 PM