This is a powerful and such a delicate topic.. I thought I'd share my views.

Personally I think each one of us have can impact the lives of others even when we are hurting, lose our memory or a myriad of other things that happen in life. I also believe that given the chance even in the very last moments we can impart amazing things to someone else's life. Through the tides of life we often find strength when we didn't think we had it, we find courage when it seems we have none left, we find joy in the simple things and a bring a smile to someone else's heart often not even knowing we did. Cut short at the hands of man - all that is taken away... and who know's what part we might have played in that unknown had we stuck around a bit longer. I choose to live with hope- for we never know what tomorrow may bring; good, bad or indifferent there is (in my opinion) hope for tomorrow.

I personally don't think that assisted death is healthy for mankind. Though it is easy to try to put it into a box it still shows weakness and lack of concern for life. I am not talking about extreme measures when life is not possible without human intervention, I am referring only to assisted suicide when life is still possible. I have been witness to children fight pain/cancer and other things that seem impossible to bear but they fought to live stoically and through there fight there lives impacted so many in such positive ways I just cannot fathom the idea of giving up. Many years ago I was also volunteering much of my time at an assisted living center and I can remember at least 4 individuals who impacted my life in an amazing way, even though they weren't making much sense in that moment. The person contemplating suicide is in pain.. that they at that moment don't think will ever go away; should we encourage them to live or show them that when you are in pain you can choose to end it? I say we ought to lead by example and fight to get over the mountain. There are countless stories where people have suffered incredible tragedies or physical disabilities only to go on and lead amazing and powerful lives that touched many. I have to believe that even in my own daily pain/struggle that somewhere along the line my life will touch the heart of someone else and hopefully remind them that they too have strength to survive when darkness falls upon them. I also hope and pray that I will feel joy, love and peace even if it is brief moments in time until I take my last breath.

I believe in LIFE, and I believe in God!! Although this affliction was allowed to affect my life, I believe I will also find the strength through his mercy to endure whatever comes my way and that good will continue to come of it. I am counting my blessings.. and finding ways to focus on the positives (there are some) with each new day. Not saying it is easy or that I am always strong, but I know I have more strength to endure today than I ever thought possible.