DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO END OFO LIFE ISSUES! I am not trying to be morbid, but there are some very important decisions that we all need to make one day.

One of my first questions upon receiving my diagnosis of Parkinson's was, "How long do I have?" I knew at that time that Parkinson's didn't kill you . . . or does it?

Now that I have endured this debilitating roller coaster life for nearly 18 years, my question remains, "How long do I have?" I don't mean how long until I pass from this life, but how long until my quality of life (QOL) reaches the point that I just cannot take it anymore? To be confined to a chair or bed and having to have someone else do everything for me (feed me, change my soiled diaper, dress me, bathe me, etc.) is not a QOL that I feel is acceptable for me. But who decides when enough is enough?

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think it is ethical for someone to choose how much you can tolerate in your life? I don't mean that we should legalize suicide, but why does a person who can do nohing independently and has lived a good life - why does that person not have full control in choosing when "enough is enough?" Or do you think we do have control of such a choice?

This is why it is so very important to have Advanced Directives (formerly called a "Living Will"). I have mine signed and notarized, but somebody else will have to be the one who sees that my wishes are carried out. And that just doesn't seem quite right. If I am perfectly comfortable with living my life unable to do for myself, then shouldn't that be MY decision if I choose to live in that condition? Conversely, if I am ready to leave this life and let nature take its course, shouldn't I be able to say when to call it quits?

Do you have anyone you trust enough to carry out your wishes? I have had frank discussions with members of my family - my kids and my husband - and they aren't all in agreement with my choices. And some of you might be saying "It's a God thing," but it's isn't totally in my opinion.

How are you going to handle this point in your life? I think it's healthy to share on this subject.

Sincerely and respectfully
Peggy