Who knew there were so many kinds/causes for dementia? I have the run of the mill Alzheimer's for which I am grateful.
PLEASE DO NOT READ FURTHER IF THE CONVERSATION OF SUICIDE OR EUTHANASIA IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD FIND DISTURBING
Robin Williams was one of my favorite comedians. His works made you laugh and yet cry at the same time. His life was like that as well. When he discovered that he had one of the severest forms (Lewy Body, a more aggressive cognitive decline with a more impaired life that can include hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, and a shorter survival time) of dementia, he ended his life. Good for you, Robin. He knew he didn’t want to live that way or for his family to remember him that way.
Not to think I am thinking of following in his footsteps, no, fortunately I do not have this awful form of dementia. Having Alzheimer’s though has made me much more aware of the eventualities that can befall some of us. For some, ending life while still able to control one's functions, to know one's family, to be more than a vegetable should be a given choice. I get very angry when we know it is time to put down our pet when he/she is in pain, but for some reason won't allow humans the same dignity.
I'm happy to see that some state, Oregon, Washington, and Montana have begun to allow active euthanasia, a choice to be given a lethal drug to allow death. All states allow passive euthanasia (death from the patient refusing food, water, treatment) yet this can be lengthy and painful.
Not sure what took me here today. I was writing a post for my Instagram about laughter and came across a quote from Erma Bombeck. “There is a thin line that separates laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt.” So, my thoughts went to Robin.
Hope this hasn't upset anyone. Just my rambling thoughts.
On a lighter side:
Here is Loki. We found him abandoned when he just over a week old, we think. We've had him for almost a month and now he weighs over a pound and is thriving.
