[at-l] the challenges of our faith, morality and life

[athummingbird at dnet.net (Linda Benschop)]

The sad thing is that both sides are coming from love and wanting the best 
for Terri.  But these extremists are using her in the worst way, as a 
political weapon.  I never thought I would feel sorry for a Bush, but I 
certainly do feel for Jeb who is being taunted by people to do something 
that is beyond his control.  He has not even been able to attend his church 
during Holy Week because of the harassment.  There are death threats against 
the husband. These are people who are supposed to be "pro 
life"....hmmmm...like the ones who shoot abortion doctors.  Does that make 
sense to anyone else?

As a former Hospice nurse, I can tell you for sure that someone in Terri's 
condition does not feel pain.  She does not have that capacity.  Nature 
should have been allowed to take it's course many years ago.  Oh the wonders 
of modern medicine!  Michael, her husband, stood by her side for many years 
and took her all over the country to try and find help, always made sure 
that she had the very best care.  Then he finally had to accept that she 
would never recover and move on with his life.  In my opinion, that is a 
very healthy thing to do.  When she does die he will gain nothing 
financially.  He was offered a million dollars to stay away, so it is 
obvious that he is staying because of his love and devotion for his wife. 
He has certainly a hero in my eyes with such incredible devotion.

I truly feel for her parents as it is obvious that they love her.  But it is 
time to think about her and let her go.  She is already gone and, if they 
believe in their faith, they know they will see her again.   They are 
destroying their own health when they should be holding her hand and 
releasing her.  That is what Hospice is about.

People are normally accepted into a Hospice with a life expectancy of 6 
months, or perhaps a year.  Terri's care is being paid for by Medicaid.  I 
am sure that, if she was indeed the caring person people describe, she would 
have wanted all that money to be used for other purposes.  I know that I 
would.  Fifteen years is a long time to be kept alive by artificial means in 
a vegetative state.  Is that really life?

I understand where her parents are coming from and I understand where 
Michael is coming from.  But I wish all the fanatics and politicians would 
stay out of it.  This is a family matter, not a political one.

My prayers go with all the family.  Blessings and Happy Easter, Hummingbird 



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