Her Right To Choose

Once bitten..

This time, unlike the last, she didn't tell,
instead deciding it was her right to choose,
not her partners, ex husband, daughter or sons right, it was hers.
Without a shadow of a doubt this would be perceived as selfish,
but when all was said and done it wasn't them that had to endure.

By the time she did tell them it was too late,
three months of life left, palliative care only required.
There were tears, anger, frustration,
but eventually an understanding and acceptance.
She had lived a long and happy life,
had raised a family, become both a grand and great grand mother,
so what point an extra 6 months of life,
especially if lived chemically aided and ill.
In her mind no point whatsoever.

The day before her death she shared a bottle of wine
with her daughter and female partner of 25 years.
She was bright, alert, but tired quickly.
Her final goodbyes were said that afternoon, but without words,
as all three knowing that her time would be soon stilled.
The following day, whilst sleeping, she slipped peacefully away.

Author's Note

This tale was relayed to me and my wife on a flight home from our holiday by the daughter of the lady about whom this was written.

Reviews

[Wild Rose]

Thank you for this
My sis told us she had a few days left > Why didn't she get something done ? Tell us earlier ??
Her choice!

[Gee]

I'd like to think if the time ever arose I would be able to choose whether or not to live without fear of " upsetting " folk
Thank you for commenting

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

thankyou so much for this poem
i agree we all have a right especially with a life threatening painful illness where death is inevitable and much pain and suffering to be endured till the end, thanks for this i liked it a lot

[Gee]

Hi Julie, thanks for taking the time to review.
Hope you are well :))

[KCthelastboyscout]

I think that its important to prepare for death in your way as possible.this is very much a personal decision because no matter how many friends and family you have around you to say goodbye your final journey is done alone

[Gee]

Hi KC, thank you for your thoughts

[Coyote Poetry]

A hard decision. Pain or quick death. Hard topic. I believe personal. Powerful and worthwhile words and thoughts shared.
Coyote

[Gee]

Thank you Coyote

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome my friend.

[Silt]

I think this is written respectfully. I could feel that throughout the piece. My favourite line would be S2L2 - something about that line says so much.

I am still new in a way to this site and so my reviews are clumsy in how best to say what I wish.

These two lines:

This though, would, without a shadow of a doubt, be perceived as selfish,
but when all was said and done, it wasn't them that had to endure, suffer.

I know short punched line can be used to enhance an emotion(s) but for me the abundance of breaks lessened them. So suggest a restructure of the first line

ie

Without a shadow of doubt, this would be perceived as selfish,

*in the line that followed - I believe 'suffer' is not required, as the word 'endure' shows the suffering far better and leaves the focus on her.

Thank you for sharing

Silt

[Gee]

Thank you for both reading and reviewing. Have made suggested changes, thank you

[Chris Shaw]

A great way to go, on your own terms without months of anguish for loving relatives.

Chris

[Gee]

Morning Christine, thank you. Would be nice to pop off, pain free in sleep time.
Hope all us well

[Chris Shaw]

All ok here. Very busy though. Hope you are enjoying your holiday

Chris

[Gee]

All good, me and the 4 ladies having a most lovely, relaxing time :))

[Chris Shaw]

Methinks you are being spoilt :))

[Gee]

Hand and foot... :))))

[Chris Shaw]

Enjoy it while you can :)))

[Gee]

Lol, I'm gonna milk it :))

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i feel as Margie does...i would not tell anyone either...there would be too much fuss...and people would treat me differently---or shy away altogether...

want to go out on my own terms....maybe one last toast to life and Good bye...Well done, my friend.
j.

[Gee]

Thanks Jacob, glad you approve

[barleygirl]

I relate to this so much. I'm not a big fan of medical intervention. After hitting 60, I figure anything that slays me now would be a natural cause & I can accept that. I love the way you tell a convincing story rather than trying to convince anyone with an explanation, and this approach is integral to your title line. I would not tell anyone if I knew I was dying. I love the details you bring to illustrate acceptance (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Gee]

Thank you Margie

[Sneh]

Wow!! I got inspired, I agree our positive choices make even sufferings better ,.. If women desires she can perform miracles. It compelled me to review.. I wish her soul rest in peace if she's a kindred.
Love
-sneh

[Gee]

Thank you..