God’s will be done
The case of Terri Schiavo, which pits the husband of a woman on life support against her parents, is re-igniting a national debate over when and how medical treatment should be withdrawn. All this media and legal attention has harmed Terri more than it has helped, and clouded the real issues that are at stake. These issues are our society’s terrible fear of death and suffering and our over-reliance on medical technology in a desperate attempt to avoid both. We have also become dangerously dependent on the state to make decisions for us.
That there is widespread public debate on a topic like this can never be a bad thing. It shows that democracy is alive and well. But where there are differences of opinion, and differences in religious belief and faith, there must also be respect for one another. We should use this opportunity not to push forward our own ideas and agendas, but to seek God’s will.
This case, which has dragged on for over 15 years, has brought great anguish on both sides. My heart goes out to Terri’s parents, Bob and Mary Schindler. I am a parent and fully understand why they cannot accept being told that there is no chance for greater recovery. Which parent would not hold out in insistent hope?
From what I have read, Mary Schindler has taken care of her brain-damaged daughter as only a true mother could. Even though I feel differently, I can understand her plea to President Bush “to save my little girl.” All the same, I find it frightening when not only a governor but also the Congress, the Supreme Court, and even the president intervene in such a personal and intimate issue, reducing it to legal hair-splitting over a disabled person’s “constitutional right to live.”
My heart also goes out to Terri’s husband, Michael, who has pleaded for years that his wife be allowed to die. His belief that death would leave her at peace and with God is in no way selfish or unfeeling, as his many critics contend. In fact, I respect his faith and would wish for my wife what he is wishing for his.
This case goes far beyond Terri’s physical condition, her medical outlook (whatever it is) and whether or not her feeding tube should be removed. It should give pause and lead to serious soul-searching. In the end the creator of life, not we, should decide when to take life away. Therefore re-inserting a feeding tube, or fighting to keep one in, is no less a form of human interference.
We are too afraid of death and dying. If Terri should die, it will be painful, but no cause for despair: we all have to die one day.
The temptation to run from pain – to choose the path of least suffering – is only human. In Terri’s case, there will be suffering on both sides, no matter how the controversy is resolved. All the more, shouldn’t each of us lay aside our agendas and opinions and ask that God’s will be done?
Johann Christoph Arnold
The writer is an author and pastor with the Bruderhof Communities.
Hixson will be missed
I contacted Mr. Hixson, director of the county’s Veterans Affairs after the passing of my husband, a WW II veteran, concerning widow benefits. He assisted me to the fullest extent. He deserved the maximum salary for his excellent service. He will sorely be missed. I wish him the best of luck in all his future plans
Mary Sisson
Uniontown