Euthanasia

[Rodney Mills]

Tramperman.

I workout daily. First thing, Floor exercises, Three sets, among the hard ones, Leg-lifts and pushups incorporating stretching exercises. I total a hundred of each. After a cup of black decaf coffee I do a fast ten miles bike ride. I usually listen to a news station on a portable radio. I have kept fit, exercised, watched my weight and diet most of my life and intend to until the grim reaper comes a calling. Coward or not I would vote for euthanasia were it to be a referendum in my State. I doubt it ever will though as it is slap bang in the middle of the "bible-belt."


This morning I left out the radio and thought about you and others in your sad state of health.

There's a poem titled "Judge Softly" by Mary T. Lathrap


“Judge Softly”
“Pray, don’t find fault with the man that limps,
Or stumbles along the road.
Unless you have worn the moccasins he wears,
Or stumbled beneath the same load.
There may be tears in his soles that hurt
Though hidden away from view.
The burden he bears placed on your back
May cause you to stumble and fall, too.
Don’t sneer at the man who is down today
Unless you have felt the same blow
That caused his fall or felt the shame
That only the fallen know.
You may be strong, but still the blows
That were his, unknown to you in the same way,
May cause you to stagger and fall, too.
Don’t be too harsh with the man that sins.
Or pelt him with words, or stone, or disdain.
Unless you are sure you have no sins of your own,
And it’s only wisdom and love that your heart contains.
For you know if the tempter’s voice
Should whisper as soft to you,
As it did to him when he went astray,
It might cause you to falter, too.
Just walk a mile in his moccasins
Before you abuse, criticize and accuse.
If just for one hour, you could find a way
To see through his eyes, instead of your own muse.
I believe you’d be surprised to see
That you’ve been blind and narrow-minded, even unkind.
There are people on reservations and in the ghettos
Who have so little hope, and too much worry on their minds.
Brother, there but for the grace of God go you and I.
Just for a moment, slip into his mind and traditions
And see the world through his spirit and eyes
Before you cast a stone or falsely judge his conditions.
Remember to walk a mile in his moccasins
And remember the lessons of humanity taught to you by your elders.
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave
In other people’s lives, our kindnesses and generosity.
Take the time to walk a mile in his moccasins.”
~ by Mary T. Lathrap, 1895


This poem gave birth to the idiom. 'You will never know a man until you walk a mile in his shoes.'


Regards, and thanks to both you and John for your thought provoking posts.


Rodney

[j.sabourn]

A couple of things taken from a readers letter on the same subject...So far the discussion with regard to Euthenasia has had its focus on the individual only. It’s wider implications are crucial too.
It is very important that people know what is happening in other countries too.
These dangers are very evident in Holland where it had been reported in 2015 that 650 disabled babies were euthanised in one year alone.
People will say that these abuses cannot happen here . Unfortuanetley people push boundaries. This can be seen in Queensland, currently a draft bill is being proposed for late term abortion to be made legal.
A prominent ethicist in Holland who initially supported Euthenasia , no longer advocates . He said once the genie is out of the bottle you can’t put it back. He also described Euthenasia as a slippery slide.
JWS

[happy daze john in oz]

John he is right.
There will be no end to this but for a sad one in many cases.

Smart lawyers will find ways around any laws to suit the individual needs.
I am sure there will in time be cases of family members being 'put out of their misery' just o make live easier for others.

[Trampshipman]

Rodney Mills.

I thank you for your post and poem. that poem came to me like a breath of fresh air. Lovely words giving much food for thought and should be very enlightening to all.

Ken/Trampshipman.

[John Pruden]

Rodney I would run the mile in his moccasins' he would not catch me in his bare feet? jp

[Red Lead Ted]

Well lads it has come to the stage with my dear old Mother in law as was said by a professor of medicine your dear Mother is going to be cared for what they call end of life care, He and his team estimate 3 months to live if she gets that they will not attempt to resuscitate her if anything goes pear shaped she is to be transferred from hospital to palatable care today she cant do anything for herself and basically never will again as sad as it is there is nothing anyone can do for her we just hope she slips away in this deep sleep she hasn't awoke up from for the last 4 weeks, The family are all in agreement so i will go along with there wishes and support them and more importantly my wife through the inevitable end as much as i can. I take on board John Saborns post #40 But what i would say is in cases like this with an elderly person in there late 80s 90s Euthanasia has to be legislated for by this government you have to conciser her children her grandchildren her great grandchildren and all the other members of our close family its as if your life is on hold, Its there when you turn in of a night and its there your waking moment. It does have a profound effect on all the family and you tend to neglect yourself i know my wife has, A simple thing last night i cooked a big pan of stew {Scouse} And when the family returned last night they all tucked in, My brother in law mentioned i have lived on sandwiches for weeks and that does the body know good. Life has to go on at the end of the day and we all have kids and grandkids to care for. Once again thank you all for your kind words really appreciated i am back on the net lads and will start sending out any projects i have promised to help any members with. The inevitable will happen when the good lord is ready and nothing anyone can do can change that. Thanks to all the lads Terry.

[Red Lead Ted]

Thanks to all the lads for there kind thoughts and wishes, My dear old Mother in law passed in her sleep peacefully yesterday, She has to be in a better place than she was, And now the grieving process for my wife in which i will assist in any way i can cheers lads Terry.

[John Arton]

Terry
I think I can speak for all your mates on the site when I say can you pass on our condolences to you and your dear wife over the passing of your dearly loved mother in law and please stay strong and support your wife in whatever way you can in her hours of need. In time you will both be able to look back and remember with love and laughter the memories of a truly great lady
Rgds
J.A.

[cappy]

##its not a good time ted but im sure you will be strong for the other members of your family.....respect to you all and deep condolences......cappy

[vic mcclymont]

Ted, sorry to here about the passing away of your mother in law.
condolences to you ad your family, stay strong.
Vic