Extraordinary means

It is a restless night for me - seeing the condition of Pope John Paul reminds me of an area in which I have a certain conflict. I am thankful, since both my parents (who had long lives) were ill for some years, but, when the end came, it was natural and quick. John Paul's life was longer than many and as rich and full as anyone's. I am hoping that he does not end up on life support - stuck in a limbo where one cannot pass to the next life, yet no longer can use faculties in this one.

Trachaeotomy is nothing unusual, and I suppose that a feeding tube can hardly be called extraordinary, particularly if it is in response to a temporary condition. But, for all my admiration of John Paul, I regret that I cannot see his current sufferings as somehow inspirational. When it comes time for me to leave this earth, I want to do so. No, I am in no hurry to die! Yet I do not fear when that time comes (for all that I fear suffering on this earth.)

With what dilemmas technology has left the moral theologians! (In my case, I believe I'll have a tattoo on my torso, saying no extraordinary measures.) I do not believe that one ever has a moral obligation to be placed on machines - nor even to have every medical procedure that possibly can prolong life. If a cancer patient chose palliative care only (as I would), and then did his best to enjoy what was left of his life, is this to be considered a 'suicide' - because he did not prefer to be cut, burnt, have chemicals course through his veins (and the dreadful side effects), and be in and out of hospitals?

Where does it end? Normally, food and water could not be considered extraordinary, I would imagine even 'by tube,' but at which point does this become hopeless? Today, in reading of the Terry Schiavo case, I breathed a sigh of relief that this poor woman could finally go in peace - and prayed that God would grant peace to the living. Yet the Vatican spokesman called it euthanasia.

Normally, I would not record such disassociated thoughts on a blog - the more because I have no answers. (I am wondering if anyone does.) I am just hoping that, if this is the 'end,' John Paul can pass from this life to the next with peace and dignity.