Hello:

I just read about this poor 85 year old lady who has lost control over her own life. What an undignified way to go! I wouldn't want to end it that way - and I'm not going to. I'll decide when it's over.

Tell me why I should end up crapping in my pants. Do you crap your pants?

excon

No, excon, I have not done that for many a year. I know I do not want to lie there in bed unable to even get up and go to the bathroom without having to wait for someone to come and get me. My former Mother-in-law, who is still in a nursing home, had to wait over an hour before someone came to help her and by then it was too late. They did not even offer her a bath! Her daughter and I happened to come at that time and we took over. What a hellacious way of treating someone!

I agree with you, I feel people deserve dignity in their old age. Whether I could take my own life, I do not know, although I have seriously thought of circumstances that would somehow warrant it.

Hello excon dear. I don't crap my pants. Not yet. Although I must admit that when I read some of your responses I have PMSL at times.

Why should you end up crapping your pants? Well I know you are a smart guy. You need to find a way to coerce a young chickie to marry you so you can find some pleasure in having her change your diapers for you when that time comes. She can give you a little slap and tickle while she changes them. That might be worth it to you to stick around for a while.

^^^^^^^^^
It is difficult to say what we would do absolutely, when faced with that situation. Most people don't want to suffer that kind of indignity and we think that we would rather take the suicide route. Yet, when it happens, some people either do a total turnaround and cling to life because the fear of death is so great, or they simply don't have any choice but to stick around because they are physically dependent on others.

It is sad that we humans are not allowed a dignified exit from life that our beloved pets have available to them. I believe that Colorado is the only state with such an option. After Dr. Jack Kevorkian was released after serving 8 years in a Michigan prison, 60 Minutes did a piece on him. He provided relief for a man in the later stages of Lou Gherig's Disease. The entire family of the "victim" supported the actions of Dr. K, but were not allowed to testify at his trial. Dr. K is a hero in my book. It is time for more states to pass sane laws which would provide something other than a 45 to end the suffering of a terminal patient in pain.

excon: My error; it is Oregon, and from sunny Phoenix the trip would be more arduous, especially if one were ill (knock on wood). The only firearm that I own is a good bolt action 22 target rifle that is in pieces redy to be cleaned, and no bullets. Perhaps I could have my Yorkie dog and his two cats attack me, should the need arise. Why did you bring up this rather depressing topic? Life is pretty damn good while it lasts.

Hello again, Dr:

I don't know. I just read about the 85 year old lady... I'm 64 and considering my own mortality. I'm healthy, but I've outlived my dad by 15 years already. I don't know if that means anything, but I think it does to a son.

I actually don't think it's depressing. I've lived a good life and that's going to be celebrated, not my passing. I'm going to get my affairs in order and have a party. I'll say my goodbyes, dedicate my stone, and take some pills. I'm not brave enough to shoot myself. Don't worry, I have no immediate plans..

In this morning's paper there was an article about a murder suicide. It was an 85 year old mother and her 60 year old daughter. They were found parked in a local cemetery, the car packed with personal belongings. I'm sure there's more to the story.

You know, in this country, it takes a great deal of wealth to avoid a nursing home... I'm not in bad shape, but I don't have near enough.

excon

I'm going to roll myself up in a carpet and get thrown of off that bridge when I come to it excon! :)

As long as we are on this moribund topic, let's go for it. I consider graveyards to be a waste of pefectly good real estate, not considering the "obligation" of far flung next of kin to care for the gravesite. Some years ago I prepaid for a "deluxe" crispy critter plan with the Neptune Society, for about $1700. With that plan, they will find me wherever I drop and turn me to ashes, without the added expense of a funeral home etc. I have instructed my son to spend the savings on a good party with plenty of beer for the guests. At the party, he is to play JS Bach Italian Concerto BWV971 III Presto from Bachbusters (which I call Happy Feet) and Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd. Those selections should provide the proper mix of levity and seriousness to the occasion. LOL

Some years ago, I (just for fun) planned my funeral with a grief counselor who worked at my shirt-tale cousin's funeral home. I was thrifty. I was careful to want only the very basics. No prayer cards, no imprinted thank-you notes, no flower car. My final bill was close to $10,000. (Well, OK, it was a really nice casket... )

Then and there, I decided on cremation--with my ashes flung to the winds in Monument Valley and maybe a linden tree planted in my memory somewhere. Oh, yeah. And I'm leaving my survivors more than enough for a lovely dinner at a nice restaurant. Maybe they'll remember me with a smile and a nod--"She was quite a lady!"

First I have to die. Many of my family members have died at night in their sleep, during naps, between sentences after a nice dinner and dessert. I suspect that will be the way I leave this earth. At least that's what I'm hoping. Otherwise, find me and shoot me if you see I've crapped my pants.

This is all so fresh on my mind, give me a few minutes to really think of the right way to answer it.

Cremation is definitely the way to go, I don't want to put into a hole and left to rot, I find the idea of reing remembered that way to be sort of offensive... and I always like the smell of fire and the warmth of flame :)

Talking about crapping your pants? You leave me no choice but to post this:
OOPS I Crapped My Pants Video (http://www.metacafe.com/watch/357846/oops_i_crapped_my_pants/)