Post 511 The one (1) rule in ms

[RoyceNewton]

"YOU" like me have a chronic, incurable progressive(it gets worse) medical condition. The rule is that at no point in this disease are "YOU" to inflict self-harm upon yourself. I understand that at times, this is very hard. I have broken this rule several times. My only saving grace was that there were other people in the house, that could and did call the ambulance(paramedics.). My actions were not intentional, merely accidental. Still, that is no excuse.

The rule states that by omission or deliberate act "YOU" can not cause yourself self-harm. Reword this to suit yourself, but I am sure that "YOU" get the drift.

Royce (the writer)

anything else is a suggestion, but this is a rule

[Bodega1939]

Royce, I so understand! I am a Buddhist with a Jewish/agnostic/Christian/Catholic/ background who has worked several decades with hospice and in many other roles. I have also lived in the Philippine Islands, Madagascar and South Africa plus all over the USA. In every society where I have been there have been allowances made for the very aged and/or incurable to attenuate their lives. One way most Elders do this is by unintentional or intentional reduction of daily calories. If done slowly it is virtually painless. And it doesn't take forever.

The rationale I have heard in every place I lived for the reduction of calories is:

"I have lived a good life and done good acts. I have loved and been loved. I have contributed to the good of society. I leave a family and/or friends who have benefitted me and I them with our relationships. I am now a source of sorrow for them and me as I linger with my incurable diseases and I no longer make contributions though I do understand I am making a contribution by dying well. It is my choice to die without unduly disrupting their hearts and lives. "

In some American Indian societies Elders leave and enter the wilderness after they have fasted long enough to actually take themselves to the mesas they love. Mesas with their clear celebration of earth, wind and sky represent the presence of the One's love for them. Often their families help them get to where they want to go. There they stay, emaciated and wither away in contact with The Maker of All.

I have my blanket ready. I am unintentionally losing weight as my mind is slipping into a mote of previous thought. My conscious is clean and the times when I unconsciously was wrong or did a wrong, I have rationalized as it may have been an ungracious act without malice.

I do not want anyone burdened with a body without a mind. I will not have extraordinary measures taken to sustain such a body.

My love of living, the clouds, the sun on daisy flower tips, the wind as it tilts the sails in trees, the smallest little scuttle of a tiny animal in the grass still thrills me as does watching my children, adults as they are, be amused by their own children and loving them. My paintings are not a reflection of depression and death-looking but one of amusement. My writings reflect thoughtful contemplation.

I know from years of voracious reading, no one's legacy lasts much beyond their death date. Fame is truly fleeting and I am no Michael Angelo and no Tchaikovsky.

I thank you for your comments. I always read what you write. Seldom do I decide to comment. This time, I just had to as there really is another way.

[RoyceNewton in reply to Bodega1939]

I find your comments hard to disagree with but I feel that as a young newly diagnosed individual Rule 1 must be followed. In much later years perhaps.

[falalalala]

I subscribe to the Dylan Thomas method until I get too tired to fight it.

Then, I will just b!tch into that good night.

[RoyceNewton in reply to falalalala]

I( like your style

[falalalala in reply to RoyceNewton]

Thank you Royce!