As we watch in agony over the plight the parents of Jahi McMath are going through as they fight to keep their “brain child” on a ventilator it points to mind the importance of having a living will. A will that allows our loved ones to insure that we carry out our request in our last moments here. It is extremely difficult to right up such a statement especially if we’re healthy but can be more painful for our loved ones if we don’t.
I have chosen the “Guinea Pig” approach in my living will. I don’t want to be kept on a ventilator when all “standard medical procedures” have been exhausted but don’t want my loved ones to feel that they have “pulled the plug”. Therefore I have asked that if G-D forbid my loved ones are put in such a position that untried methods be tested on me, which would still allow me a proper Jewish Funeral. These methods don’t necessarily need to be medical but can be spiritual based such as laying me in a river to see if G-D will allow the waters to heal me. I believe if this techniques work then the world and of course I will be better off and if they don’t well at least we gave it one last try. Most importantly this will insure that my loved ones are at peace knowing they fulfilled my wishes and tried their best to help me.
I pray that G-D miraculously heals Jahi McMath but if the Lord decides to take her home may it be quick and painless, may her good memories and knowing she would be in a better place bring some peace to the family during this extremely difficult time.