After reading the experience of Richard Leskun and his wife Marilynn and similar stories (“Hospital put ‘do not resuscitate’ order on elderly woman, then urged husband to euthanize her,” B.C. Catholic, Feb. 6), I have come to the conclusion that everyone opposed to euthanasia and unwanted do-not-resuscitate orders should carry on his or her person photo ID showing name, address, and contact information for a caregiver on one side, and on the other a legally binding document signed by the bearer, stipulating the person’s wishes.
The information should be centralized and downloadable mobile phones or printable card and be accessible to people of all faiths. This is one way Canadians can take action and prevent incidents like the Leskuns’ from taking place in the future.
Norbert Papali
Vancouver
After Mass recently I got to thinking about what produces gratitude and its different levels that we feel and experience.
The more casual occasions are frequent and easy to identify, like when you are in traffic and someone lets you in, or when someone providing a service goes beyond what is expected. We can feel a momentary appreciation and typically respond with thanksgiving, grateful for the courtesy shown.
Where a situation is more critical, we tend to have deeper gratitude, such as someone saving your life with CPR during a heart attack, or more so, when a relative donates a kidney to extend a loved one’s life.
Yet in the most crucial drama imaginable we tend to be aloof and unappreciative. God created us and breathed life into our immortal souls, inviting us into fellowship with the Trinity and the offer of eternal bliss should we choose it. You would think that would elicit gratitude.
Jesus came into the world and sacrificed himself to save us from sin and the damnation we would otherwise receive. Still a distinct lack of gratitude.
Then the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit we received and can avail of every day to keep us on the straight path. We should be dancing in the streets with joy and thanksgiving.
Maybe we are myopic and insensitive to these incredible gifts or undervalue what is holy and eternal in favour of the material in the present moment.
Perhaps for Lent we could begin to be grateful for what has been given by God, to thank him daily, and to appreciate what we cannot see or is yet to be realized, as well as the many tangible gifts and blessings we have already received.
Stephen Clark
Manila, Philippines
