Leave the Schiavo Family Alone!

Leave the Schiavo family alone!

The government has no business meddling in the Terri Schiavo case in Florida. This lady has suffered enough.

When the government steps into a family affair, between a man and his wife, especially one in which such a painful decision must be made, then it has overstepped. The US Government and the Florida state legislature have over stepped…big time!

Look, as one who had to make the decision to refuse nutrition to a loved one and watch that loved one slip peacefully away, I can attest to the heart wrenching, introspection the person making that decision experiences. It is something I would not wish on my worst enemy. I did it. It was indescribably painful. It is something we had discussed, and put in writing, so there would be no such fiasco as in the Schiavo case.

I have held my tongue as I watched the machinations of both sides in this painful dilemma and shared their pain. The anguish is plain for anyone to see. But, I can attest that this is a “quality of life” issue and at some point, in nearly everyone’s life, it will become a factor. You cannot walk away from it, nor turn your back on it. You must face it and deal with it. Many will disagree with whatever your decision. Your only consideration is the best interests of the patient, the loved one who will never return and is no longer a sentient being.

There comes a time to let go. It is never easy. It is always painful. It hurts like the dickens, but it must be done.

The US Government and the Florida State government, as well as the press, have only made the matter more hurtful and more complicated.

I am a conservative, both in politics and religion; yet, I cannot support the actions of the US House of Representatives in this case. It is near ridiculous, and it would be… if it were not so sad.

The family has suffered way more than most of us ever will. It is time to end the hurting, end the suffering; and finally end the circus, which has grown up around this family in deep distress.

Look, someone had to make the decision to remove that feeding tube and allow Mrs. Schiavo to slip away into the embrace of her God where she will be free of the pain and sorrow. Her family needs the time, and the space, to recuperate from the extended agony of day after day of mourning the loss, or near loss, of their loved one. Only then can their healing begin.

The government, the press, and the meddling of the legal system, have only compounded the family’s pain. It is time to stop, to back away, and leave this family in peace!

May God enfold Terri Schiavo in his loving arms and welcome her to her new home where there is no suffering and no pain… ever.

With Respect,

“Longstreet”