(More) Reality TV

[TheVTCGuy]

Last night, on th PBS show "Frontline" they had a VERY powerful show on.. assisted suicide. I know right now this is a very hotly-debated topic, so I'll withold my opinion on whether it's right or wrong, but will say the show was extremely well done; and it hit home because of my father's illness.

The show was centered on a man in his late 40s, very articulate, intelligent, that was afflicted with a terrible disease. I don't even remember what it was, but he his body had deterorated terribly, to where his wife of 22 years had to do everything for him, inluding brushing his teeth, and other bathroom-requirements. His mind was clear, and he had hired a Swiss team that did assisted suicide with dignity (in Switzerland). The cost was around $4500. The first part of the show was the man dicussing his reasons, why he wanted to die, his wife's and (adult) children's thoughts, it was extremely well done.

The man and his wife flew to Switzerland, and the show was with them the several days before his death. The cameras recorded the man's thoughts, his feelings, he admitted being scared, but never once wavered from his decision. When the time came, he drank poisen with some apple juice, went to sleep, and was gone.

It was very peaceful, and just before he closed his eyes his wife said: "I Love you, have a safe journey and I'll be with you soon"

The show was incredible, maybe because my father was in a similar situation and if there was an oppurtunity, would have chosen this method of dying over the long-painful way in which he passed. It hit me pretty hard, but I will say, that man showed a tremendous amount of courage, and dedication to his family; time and time again he stated he didn't want to put his family through the pain of many years this disease would cause. If (GOD forbid) I am ever put in that situation, I pray I will have the courage and the oppurtunity to commence my journey as this brave man did.

I've really had enough of serious television for a while.. think I'll go watch some cartoons now...