Home » blog » How Long Do You Want To Live and How Do You Want To Die? by John Cali and Spirit

Life_of_George_Washington,_DeathbedDeathbed of George Washington
Image by Junius Brutus Stearns

I recently read an article about the death of a 21-month-old baby girl in Texas. She’d fallen into her family’s swimming pool, was revived and rushed to the hospital.

The doctors, after many weeks of various medical procedures, decided she could not survive. She’d gone without oxygen too long, and her organs had shut down. Yet she was still alive.

Her parents begged the “authorities” to end her suffering. They refused. The family decided to remove her feeding tube because, in Texas, that was their only legal alternative. The little girl lingered for nine horrific days, suffering deeply till she took her last breath in her mother’s arms.

I know doctors and other health care professionals are pledged to save lives. But to save lives beyond any hope of physical survival—is that part of their pledge? Is prolonging pain and suffering part of their pledge? Are the laws that require them to do so reasonable?

I personally do not have any problem with humanely helping a loved one make their transition—if it’s with their consent, assuming they are capable of giving it. I know many disagree with me. And there are laws against it in many places, though not everywhere.

We do this for our beloved pets when their quality of life has deteriorated beyond hope. Why not our human loved ones? I’ve seen suffering unreasonably prolonged in my own family, and it’s not an easy thing to watch.

Spirit

The first thing we want to say today is death is the easiest thing you will ever do. After all, you’ve had lots of practice—you’ve “died” many times in many lives.

The second thing we want to say is death doesn’t exist. What you call death is simply a part of what we call eternal life. You are immortal, “dead” or “alive.” Life and death are simply different aspects of your eternal existence.

You all create your physical lives by your thoughts and choices. If you accept that, then you know you create your physical deaths also—and at the time and in the manner you choose.

You never die. You go on forever. There is no “right” or “wrong” in how you live or how you die. It’s your choice.

But you must allow others their choice. In that allowing you will find peace. And you will honor the choices others make, even if their choices are different from yours.

So is euthanasia wrong? No.

Is suicide wrong? No.

You must allow all humans, including yourself, to make that decision for themselves.

Remember this: At death your loved ones leave their bodies. They do not leave you.

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This is a powerfully touching video of the assisted suicide of British businessman Peter Smedley (in Switzerland where it’s legal). The video may not be appropriate for you if you’re deeply sensitive. So trust your inner guidance.

Related links:
Doctor Death
The Fear of Death
Life and Death
Death

P.S. Here’s an excellent article about a medical doctor’s personal perspective on death.

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How long do you want to live? Would you choose to die if prolonging your life meant only struggle and pain? Do you have any ethical, moral, or religious values that would allow or prevent you making that choice? Please share your thoughts and comments with us.

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What other subjects would you like us to talk about in these posts? Please email me.

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About John Cali

John Cali is a writer, blogger, and channel for a group of spirit guides. His next book is Conversations With Spirit: Real Answers to Life’s Pesky Questions, Book 1. John lives in northwestern Wyoming.Sign up for his newsletter here.

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