- I have had a very visceral reaction to much of the broadcast media coverage of her unfortunate situation. I find much of the coverage voyeuristic and indiscreet. Though well meaning, advocates for her have turned her into a public spectacle to make their point. And, it seems, that many who are acting as if they are advocates are more concerned about making political hay than in her personal well-being.
- Michael Schiavo claims that Terri stated that she would not want to be kept alive with the extraordinary methods as have been used. Though he has waffled on this, who would know better than he? I also realize he is not a very attractive individual--there is much distrust of him. What I am pretty certain of is that many people who claim to speak for Terri have no earthly idea of what her wishes would have been.
- As a culture, we are afraid of death, which is why we are in this quandry to begin with. We have developed medical technology to a point where we are able keep bodies alive beyond what is the natural course. We can cheat death. We strive toward immortality. (Remember the mess over freezing baseball great Ted Williams' body.) Medical technology is a wonderful thing . . . a grace granted from God. Dialysis kept my father alive for a year and a half until he could receive a kidney transplant. He's doing great now . . . and God has blessed me with a few more years with him. So I'm no medical Ludite. But there seem to be some ethical considerations we haven't thought through well when in comes to prolonging life in extreme circumstances.
- Bill O'Reilly has the most logical position in my eyes. Michael Schiavo has already taken up with a different woman and has had two children by her. If Terri's parents and family have the resources and desire to care for her, why doesn't he step out of the way and allow them to do so.
- One of the lessons of Easter is that it was through death that we received life. Death does not need to be feared. For many, death has been release from pain and suffering. They are ushered into the glorious presence of a God who loves them, where:
[God] will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.(Revelation 21:4)
I freely admit not having an opportunity to think about all of the facets and implications of this case. I'd love to hear from you. What's your take on the situation?
2 comments:
In my mind, the husband has long since abandoned his wife in every sense of the word and should have no say-so in her care. That's my take on the situation.
For what possible reasons does he even care about Teri?
Roy, An excellent point. I couldn't agree with you more.
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