Griffin Speaks

LIVING WILLS

By the time this article is published Terri Schiavo will most likely be dead. Doctors have said that Terri Schiavo will most likely die within a week or two after the March 18, 2005 removal of her feeding tube. This is the third time the tube has been removed. She is being starved to death at the request of her husband who claims that she would not want to live in the condition that she has been forced to live in for the last fifteen years. Terri Schiavo did not prepare a “Living Will” therefore the decision is left in the hands of her husband, Michael Schiavo. Many people are distrustful of Terri’s husband because he has been cohabiting with another woman for the last ten years. Michael and the other woman also have two children together. The parents have asked Michael to let them care for their daughter, but he has so far refused their plea. Can you believe this man? 

My late brother, Melvin Julius Griffin Jr. a juvenile diabetic did not prepare a living will but he made it perfectly clear to all who knew him, “DON’T UNPLUG ME!” Amazingly it came to a point where the Doctors came into the waiting room and suggested that we take my brother off life support. I looked the Doctor straight in the eye and told him that my brother always said, “DON’T UNPLUG ME!” My brother lived another week before passing away peacefully on December 18, 2003. He was fortunate that even though he did not put his wishes in writing he had communicated them to enough family members that we knew what he wanted. 

If you want to be certain that your wishes to be unplugged or continued to be plugged in are carried out, you need a “Living Will”. In most instances you can have this done free. The legal battle over Terri Schiavo reveals even to the feeble-minded the importance of putting your dying wishes in writing. Stop walking around saying “IF I DIE” It is not if it’s “WHEN” trust me on that one! 

A sample of a Living Will in some states can be as simple as this: I, John Doe, being of sound mind and at least 18 years of age declare that: I want (in the blank you would say whether you want to prolong your life or call it quits). In the absence of my ability to give directions regarding the use of life-sustaining procedures, it is my intention that this declaration be honored by my family and physicians as the final expression of my legal right to refuse medical or surgical treatment, and I accept the consequences from such refusal. I understand the full import of this declaration and I am emotionally and mentally competent to make this declaration. I execute this declaration, as, my free and voluntary act, on this (Date)/ Signed by (you) in the presence of two (2) qualified adult witnesses who are personally known to you and who are present when you sign or acknowledge your signature; or (2) acknowledged before a notary. (You should research and find out what the legal requirements are for a valid “Living Will” in your state.)  

You can change your “Living Will” up until the time you can no longer make decisions. You should give copies to your doctor and family members. You do not need an attorney to write a living will. In some states the local bar association will have free forms. 

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com