‘Beyond soul searing’
Dear Editor:
Re: Not a private matter, Jan. 5.
In Canada, a democracy, and a relatively free society, my feeling is that people are entitled to believe and say what they think. However, in critical issues, and in cases where opinion, along with long-held and unchallenged views are promoted, absent of relevant facts, then I feel it is my duty to counter them.
And, so it is with a letter to the editor from a Jack Moesker of Fergus. It does not matter whether or not a right is “inalienable.” Medically assisted death has been codified into Canadian law and is accessible to our fellow Canadians, as long as they meet the current criteria.
The metaphor of the speeding car is not applicable either, since the adoption of medical assistance in dying (MAID) and its progression has been incremental and measured. The process is, indeed, private, in the sense that it is nobody else’s business, once a decision is arrived at by the suffering person, their loved ones and the physician.
It is speculation on Moesker’s part that compassionate euthanasia, “endangers the dignity of people with disabilities or dementia.” Saying something doesn’t necessarily mean that it is true. In terms of the negative impact on physician providers, there are a number of books in the marketplace written by frontline workers.
MAID is not a slippery slope, as the writer suggests. A few isolated cases in society, most of them the fault of a renegade and uncaring caseworker at Veterans Affairs Canada, are not suggestive or emblematic of a wholesale slaughter of the elderly and infirm, as has been suggested.
Finally, his notion that enhanced palliative care and “disability and elderly support systems” is pleasing to the ear but vague in its enactment. Being drugged to the point of semi-awareness and incomplete engagement is not living.
There is pain that vexes and inconveniences us, and there is pain that possesses, controls and rules us. I have borne the latter, fortunately only for a period of a few months. This time, although relatively brief, was characterized by the ability to sleep for only 15 minutes at a time, before the excruciating pain would awaken me. I could not read more than a few paragraphs of a book, follow the plot of a TV program, find enjoyment in a previously cherished hobby – nothing!
Fortunately, for me, there was a remedy. However, for many others there is none and the spectre of living an indeterminate amount of time in the grip of unceasing and unendurable agony is beyond soul searing.
Allan Berry,
Fergus
‘Get the facts’
Dear Editor:
Re: Not a private matter, Jan. 5.
Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a private matter, as set out in the law.
MAID is strictly between the person requesting it and two independent physicians or nurse practitioners who must confirm the person meets eligibility requirements, of which there are many.
Anyone interested in learning MAID law, please get the facts from the province’s website.
Jan Corbett,
Fergus
‘Shout-out’
Dear Editor:
I just wanted to give a “shout-out” to the OPP officer, Kelsey, who was so friendly and helpful on Jan. 5 when I was stuck with a broken van, in the middle of downtown Fergus.
Tracy Coneybeare,
Fergus
‘Interconnectedness’
Dear Editor:
Recently I read the CBC newsletter and an article about the 10 most popular books at the Vancouver Library. I wondered what folks on the west coast would be reading, so I clicked on the link.
The article mentioned a new book, Braiding Sweet Grass for young adults. I had tried to read the original Braiding Sweet Grass and found it absorbing, but at first I only lasted for a few chapters because I have caught the “tell me in a few bites” virus and had to take it in smaller doses.
It is sensitive, sweet, and full of First Nations wisdom, which is desperately needed by all of us now. I went on to Amazon to get it for her. I don’t have a car and she lives in Toronto. It was ironic that in the same click Top Gun was featured almost alongside this wonderful book. What a stark reminder that we are our choices!
This new publication, written for teens, is a great addition to the original. I read a bit of it online and am convinced that it would be a wonderful gift for my granddaughter. Then I bought a copy for myself. It will be a great spiritual and practical guide in these chaotic times…to be able to sink deeply into the open arms of mother nature, rest there, absorb her warm welcome and breathe in her peace.
We all need to understand our interconnectedness with nature, our deeply spiritual ties to every being on the planet and beyond, especially now, when we are being swept up on the wings of a change that will affect the lives of all of us. We have been given everything that will support our lives on this beautiful blue planet.
I only hope we will see that and commit to do what is needed.
Gerry Walsh,
Erin
New Year’s poem
Dear Editor:
Gone are the old year’s failures
Away with all unpleasant memories.
Let none of those lingering failures
Ever hint of those bygone dreams!
Open is the new agenda
With promises of a new awaiting future.
Just waiting for only your special plans
For this years best ever strategy.
It will be a shift that you’ve designed
The future will be laid out so easily;
It may swerve but then unite again
And follow the real straightaway.
It will not be slipshod or descend into careless
Now only happiness and enchantment and bliss need apply
For this is the year that you are in charge!
Sytske Drijber,
Rockwood