Choices

There has been a lot of news coverage this week about David Goodall, an Australian academic who travelled to Switzerland to end his life by euthanasia. Doctor Goodall was 104 years old at the time of his death on Thursday and had worked up to the age of 102. He was generally healthy but after a fall last year had been deemed unable to care for himself. The inability to work and be independent, combined with his growing frailty conspired to make him feel he didn't want to live any more.

I have always supported the idea of euthanasia so it took me by surprise a little when all I could think about Dr Goodall was that he must  be incredibly impatient. Only two years ago he was working as an academic, now he was itching to die. Most of us end our working lives something like 30 years earlier than he did and for many of us our recognised contribution to society ends at the end of our working lives. What an incredible privilege to work to the age of 102. I wondered why Dr Goodall was so quick to decide that his life was not worth living. At 104 his remaining life was undoubtedly very limited but I felt as though he was reluctant to develop any other interest or purpose. The average person who retires at 65 or 70 doesn't have the luxury of euthanasia for the reason that they are getting older and dislike the effects of age.

When discussing David Goodall with an acquaintance, they said that he probably had a great life and didn't want to be bothered with a smaller one. That person went on to mention their mother who up until recently was able and active but has become frail and nervous. The comment was that she wouldn't cope with an inactive life.

The common theme in Dr Goodall's death and the comments of my friend is the implied understanding that an inactive life is worth nothing. The implication is that death is preferable to an inactive life.

I object to that logic. I object to it as a person who has become less active but still has a contribution to make. I object to it because I have been a victim to the same you-must-be-fully-capable thinking.

I support David Goodall's right to end his life but I don't like the message it sends.

The Party

The party was today. It was cold and wet out so we stayed indoors and it all went really well.

 That's my mum in the middle, one of her original bridesmaids and my daughter wearing the bridesmaid dress. The bridesmaid, Mavis, came from New Zealand. We didn't expect her to bring the dress so it was a little surprise for us all. In another sweet touch she gifted the dress to my daughter.

 We haven't had a photo of my "original family" since about 1985 I think.

Coconut cake made by my youngest. She also made the cake topper.

Golden Wedding Anniversary

On Saturday, my mum & dad will reach the milestone of 50 years married and despite their protestations, I decided to organise a low-key get together to celebrate.
I thought of a few venues I thought would be nice but they were terrible communicators and didn't seem to want the business.
I stumbled across a caterer who does some fabulous looking food but I wasn't sure about where to eat said fabulous food.

I found a very local company which brings high tea, including tables, cloths, crockery etc to your venue then packs it all up and does the dishes at the end. That sounds like a service I would want but I still didn't have a venue.......

I eventually decided on the RSL club not far from them. It's not fancy but the food is decent, there is on-site parking and good access for me and the elderly folks. The thing that really won me over was the fact that the function co-ordinator actually phoned back!

We are not able to use a function room because the get-together will be at lunch time but I thought we could create a little bit of separation from the other patrons by using the balcony.

Now there is a polar vortex forecast for the weekend and the balcony idea isn't looking so hot!