Wow! I guess I opened a wee can O’ worms by writing my last post. Thank you all for your comments. Just for the record I never had any intention or desire to actually do any harm to myself, I simply shared that I had thoughts like I’m sure many of us do from time to time. I suppose it’s like telling a friend that you're going to “kick their butt” or “kill them”. There’s no actual intent. I didn’t realize that it was still such a taboo subject. Maybe it's because our society is so stereotypical and quick to judge that most people are afraid to share their thoughts? In retrospect it would be strange if people were just sitting at cafe's calmly discussing these things.  I don’t know.

Anyhow, since we’re on the subject… sort of, I want to bring up another extremely controversial topic; Euthanasia: ‘The right to die.’ It’s not exactly the same as suicide although some argue that it is. Not too long ago a friend of mine, a quadriplegic for 29 years, decided he could no longer go on in this life. Now before you run off and send a scathing comment let me explain. He had been in constant pain for many years (more than 10) because he was dealing with bladder cancer initially and later testicular cancer. He also got emphysema the last few years. His immune system was shredded from the chemotherapy and many years of constant antibiotics and he was in perpetual pain almost to the point that it hurt when someone simply touched him.  So he devised a plan a carried it out ending his long battle with pain and suffering. I remember about a year before he told me that he didn’t mind so much that he had ended up a quad but it was the pain that rendered him completely inept that he couldn’t deal with. At that point he had been bed-ridden and on a vent for a couple years. He was to turn 50 the following month.

I myself have mixed feelings about this since I am so opposed to suicide. On the other hand I do believe that there are circumstances were it is understandable that an individual can decide to take such an extreme measure. I'm a firm believer that if you keep a positive outlook and stay strong most things can be overcome. Most of the people that I personally know who are or have at some point suffered from illness or pain have given up. Sometimes they didn't even realize that they had given in.

A few months ago a very close friend suggested a movie which turned out to be on the subject. She had no idea what had happened to my friend or even how I felt about the subject, but I was glad that she suggested it anyways (Thanks Gata).

The movie is called ‘Mar Adentro’ or ‘The Sea Inside’, its available in Spanish with English subtitles in case anyone is interested. Anyhow, it’s based on a true story about a Spanish fisherman/poet, Ramón Sampedro. He suffers a diving accident at the age of 26 which leaves him confined to his bed and totally dependent on his family which consists of his brother, sister-in-law and nephew. Long story-short he decides in his 50’s to end his life but he can't do it without help, which is illegal in Spain. He ends up fighting his battle in court  while falling in love and publishing his poetry along the way. I won’t give away the ending for those of you that might be interested, I highly recommend it.

Well, there’s my two pennies worth. Feel free to comment or ask what you like!