It goes without saying that Terry Pratchett, one of the most beloved and talented fantasy writers of this or any other generation, escaped my notice until a few months after he announces to the world he’s got early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.  Right as I discover the world he has created, forces beyond his control have sought to take it away from him.  However, let it not be said that Terry Pratchett went quietly into the night, because he’s determined to fight while he’s still got his faculties–both to preserve them with experimental science and for the right to die.  His Richard Dimbleby lecture, Shaking Hands With Death, is a moving treatise on why people deserve the right to meet death with dignity, at their choosing.

I’m aware that most religious people are against assisted death, and that’s their option.   That’s between them and God.  All I’m endorsing, and all I want out there, is the option to not suffer should I start to lose my faculties.  I’ve discussed this at length with my father, and he’s of the mindset that if he starts to lose his mind to dementia, then just slip him a gun during a lucid period and let him do the rest.  I’m the same way.

As far as I’m concerned, if offing yourself is wrong, then that’s up to God or whatever to decide my punishment, not for earthly forces.  If I want to go, give me the right dosage of poison so I won’t be a burden on my loved ones while my brain slowly rots away.  I want to be remembered for who I am, not for who I used to be.

Image: io9

Tags: Terry Pratchett, euthanasia, assisted suicide, Alzheimer’s disease, Richard Dimbleby lecture, Shaking Hands With Death, right to die, assisted death

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