The Schiavo debacle in Florida has motivated me to start drafting a living will. You would think that, as an attorney, I would have been on top of this little matter long ago. You would be wrong. Despite my best attempts to find a way to live forever, I should face facts and prepare for the possibility that something unexpected may happen to me. I’m contemplating who I should designate as a proxy in such a situation. It’s a difficult decision because I need someone who will be able to carry out my wishes without being unduly influenced by their own emotions. I’ll say here and now that if I was to enter a coma or permanent vegetative state with no or minimal chance for improvement, I would want my ventilator disconnected and all fluids withheld. The State of Minnesota has been kind enough to give the services I need to live a rich and satisfying life. No point in running up the bill once I’ve checked out.
If you haven’t seen Bend It Like Beckham yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. It’s a sweet and funny film that gently explores the divide between Anglo and Punjabi cultures. I enjoyed it immensely. My best friend from high school is married to a lovely Indian woman and some of the wedding scenes in the movie reminded me of their marriage ceremony.
Re: a living will… I hear ya. Maybe it’s because I’m not on a vent (yet?), maybe it’s because it’s been 4 years since my last bout of pneumonia… or maybe it’s just that, despite the fact that I look at myself in the mirror every day, there are some things I just don’t want to *see*.
Have you made any progress in choosing a proxy?
You do know that there is a difference between a living will and a healthcare power of attorney. The latter carries MUCH more weight in a hospital than the former.