Tonight Mr Fink and I watched Sir Terry Pratchett's documentary, Choosing To Die.
This was a poignant, sensitive and informative programme following Sir Terry's search for a dignified end to his progressive Alzheimer's disease.
We followed sufferers of MS, Alzheimers and Motor Neurone Disease (Astral, Mr Fink's mum died of this last year), we joined 2 brave men as they took the decision to take their own lives before they became incapacitated by their diseases. We listened to their symptoms, understood the daily struggles endured and those destined to come. We were graciously allowed to accompany them in their final hours and listen to their loved ones.
We may not all agree with the idea of 'assisted death' but I think, on balance, each person should be able to make their own choice, for or against. I work in the healthcare world, we do our damndest to provide dignity in life, talk about quality of life, prescribe or withold drugs on the balance of cost versus quality and duration of life. Surely in this modern age we should be able to decide, each of us - for ourselves, when our time is done?
If you missed Sir Terry's eloquent and moving documentary, I highly recommend it. (this film does contain one man's brave, final minutes. It's not scary or frightening, just intensely moving.)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0120dxp/hd/Terry_Pratchett_Choosing_to_Die/
