From: Jo Stepaniak (jo.vegsource.com)
Subject: Re: To everyone - thanks and apology
Date: May 4, 2008 at 10:32 am PST
In Reply to: Re: To everyone - thanks and apology posted by EM on May 4, 2008 at 6:44 am:
I'm SO glad and relieved to see you, Mary. Thank you for the explanation regarding blame. I'm not sure how I feel about the issue of using extreme measures to prolong life in the very elderly. I agree that life is precious regardless of how that life got into danger and that we should do whatever we can to preserve it. I also understand Janet's view regarding her father who continued to put his health in great jeopardy by continuing to smoke after his first diagnosis and after having half of his lung removed because of it. At the same time, I also can appreciate the incredible hold addictions have over some of us and how very difficult it is to give those up (whether it is cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, food, or whatever else is our "poison").
This gets into complicated territory. Michael and I talked about it a bit and asked ourselves whether our society should have gone to extreme measures to procure David Crosby a liver for transplantation when he had destroyed his own through heavy drinking and drug use. At what point does a society draw the line? I don't know ... I don't know even if there is a line to be drawn.
It is an interesting subject to discuss, but it is a dark and painful one for those touched by it personally.
I hope we will be able, as a group, to move past this bump in our relationship and forgive each other for our sensitivities and insensitivities. We are all trying our best, no matter how it appears, and I know we know that in our heart of hearts.
I deeply hope both you AND Marilyn return ... we are not complete without you, and you are both cherished.
XOXO,
Jo
