How do we know we're at the finish gate? Maybe after we've talked it over with those we love and they understand that the quality of our life is such that it just isn't very loving on their parts if they make us feel like we must stick around for them. It fact it's rather selfish on their parts when we're suffering the way we are.

I've had this very hard discussion with those closest to me and they know I'm just about at the point where I'm ready to close things out. At first they didn't understand, but the more times passes the more they're thinking about how it feels inside my body and so their point of view as far as extending my life is slowly but most assuredly changing. Eventually both we and those we're close to come to the agreement that it's plain nuts making our bodies stay alive just because we have medications and technology that can add time but not quality to our lives. I don't know how much medications are keeping your pulse beating, but in my case it makes a big difference, so I know that once I stop taking some of my medications things will take their course and I'll finally get to see what's around the bend. I'm waiting till my family can fully understand why I'm ready to go, but I won't wait forever.

We're the ones living in our body, and only we know how much more we can take. I'm in no way promoting suicide because it always makes problems for anyone within arms reach, but I would love to see our laws change so we could end our suffering with dignity like those who live in Washington (but only after meeting the very strict set of guidelines - 1 in 10 who qualify and get permission actually do take their life, but at least it was their choice) because it's wrong for others to choose when we live and die when it's the most personal decision we'll ever make.

Before I get a bunch of mail reminding me that killing is a sin, then may I ask, do I really want a cow living in my living room like many do in India instead of enjoying a steak for dinner tonight? I see this as a respect for life and living. The hard part is figuring out when we're just alive but not living as we sit and wait - and wait some more. Because you're bringing up this hard to discuss topic, I've never felt more comfortable about someone always making a good choice no matter what. Bob.