End of Life Issues

In the Rockbidge class, we are dealing with some difficult issues that families sometimes have to face concerning end of life issues. You may continue on with the lines of thought you have raised for the remainder of this week, or you may comment on the following:

As we continue the discussion this week, for our pesonal wrestling with some of these issues, perhaps we could be helped by some of Joni Earickson Tada's thoughts. She pointed out that we have to determine if our decision will prolong life or if it will prolong death. In what ways could we perhaps be helped by the principle she just mentioned.

My father passed away almost 24 years ago. He had eight years of dealing with chronic lymphocytic leukemia after he was diagnosed. His wish was, "Have them do everything they can for me as long as I can breathe on my own." He did not want to be hooked up to a ventilator (Just because I am sharing this does not mean there are no times whenit is very beneficial for someone to be placed on a ventilator.) He really had eight "pretty good" years before he went on to be with the Lord. He wanted life prolonged, but he didn't want death prolonged. In my case, Joni's way of looking at things helps. Is it helpful for you? Does it raise other questions? If so, what?