☺️ Michael, I owe you and others a debt of gratitude for helping facilitate my connections with Steve. It takes a village, right? I'm glad ours was one that could embrace Steve for a short time. He was a special person, as are you. Thank you.
Thank you, Mermaid. (I love calling you that, by the way -- the whole idea of chatting with a mermaid is a boost!) I'm glad you're part of this journey with me.
Thanks, Jill. I appreciate you being here and making time to comment. I'm not sure I would have been able to tell the same story without Steve's vote of approval. I certainly wouldn't have felt the same about it afterwards. 💗
How beautiful. A sunrise after dark! Both of my parents chose VCED in their mid to late 90s. Volitional cessation of eating and drinking. They were sound, vigorous of mind but battling health challenges that diminished quality of life. I cared for each of them through their last days. It was a time of great love and poignancy and the honor of my life to be with them in that final chapter. I was fortunate to have for such a long time and truly blessed to share in their last days.
Oh, wow, Susan. Both parents...! You must come from strong, clear-eyed stock, and yes--what a gift to be able to offer that kind of support. Not everyone would step into that willingly; I applaud the selflessness you showed for them. Thanks for reading Steve's story.
Beautiful, Elizabeth. I decided to listen this time, instead of reading, and your voice added a richness and depth that made me feel the story of Steve’s life vividly.
In a year when I have lost much of what was precious to me, all unexpectedly, Steve’s story helped me to put things into perspective. Life is never over until, in a very real way, we decide that it is over. Steve’s life story helped me to strengthen my resolve to explore what I have not explored, to build what I have not built before, and to love what I have not yet learned to love.
This is a remarkable comment, Switter, one I'm sure Steve would be happy to read. "To love what I have not yet learned to love..." To me, that feels like the noblest of missions.
I'm sorry for the unexpected losses in your life but glad for your resolve. Glad, too, that our paths intersect here. Thank you.
An important story, beautifully told. My condolences on the loss of this person in your life and community. And also, what a gift to have such a friendship. I agree, we don't talk enough about death. I had to when I was visiting my daughter, as she is my medical decision-maker if I can't make my own decisions, and we needed to talk through my advance directive. I found myself saying something similar to Steve: I've lived a full life and had all the experiences most important to me. I welcome more, but I don't need more. That realization is a gift, too. I hope your writing opens a conversation for others.
Rita, that you and your daughter have the presence of mind to be having this conversation now is truly remarkable. So many people put it off until there's a crisis.
It has been an unexpectedly somber day. Something about putting this out into the universe made the loss that much more tangible, and Steve that much more present.
Thank you for your understanding. If this could help build a conversation bridge for someone -- well, I couldn't ask for a better outcome than that. Thank you for being here.
What a courageous, clear-thinking and spirited man. Nothing but respect for his considered decision. Vale to an inspiring man.
I'm so glad that our state here in Australia has legalised assisted dying, as have a number of other states. It means one can die at home and amongst friends and family if one chooses.
In approaching this piece, I did a deeper exploration of medically assisted dying than ended up on the page. Probably there's a follow-on essay to be written.
I'm glad to know Tasmania has created a legal framework and that it can be used at home. Suffice to say that in most places, the process is not as straightforward as I previously thought.
Your friend sounds like he was an amazing person. There are two brave people in this story - Robert Blizzard for all the big decisions he made, and you for eloquently sharing his story.
Thank you, Linda. I appreciate your kind words. Hard as it was to get this story down in a way that I hoped served Steve well, I give him all the credit for bravery, starting with his willingness to let me try. I am so grateful to know you saw that in him.
Wow. Well done, Friend. I am writing to Columbia University to suggest they award you the Pulitzer. Thank you for doing this.
☺️ Michael, I owe you and others a debt of gratitude for helping facilitate my connections with Steve. It takes a village, right? I'm glad ours was one that could embrace Steve for a short time. He was a special person, as are you. Thank you.
You’ve done it again. Created a gift of words, storytelling, connections. And thoughts to ponder.
Thank you, Mermaid. (I love calling you that, by the way -- the whole idea of chatting with a mermaid is a boost!) I'm glad you're part of this journey with me.
What a life he lived. And what a wonderful story about him you told. Very moving.
Thank you, Teresa. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be in connection with Steve even for a short time. He was an excellent teacher.
A very tough, lovely story to share. Well done Elizabeth. Having Steve’s approval is the best
Thanks, Jill. I appreciate you being here and making time to comment. I'm not sure I would have been able to tell the same story without Steve's vote of approval. I certainly wouldn't have felt the same about it afterwards. 💗
Very beautiful! Thank you for this.
Thank you, Erica. I'm grateful you took the time to read and comment. Steve was a special person.
How beautiful. A sunrise after dark! Both of my parents chose VCED in their mid to late 90s. Volitional cessation of eating and drinking. They were sound, vigorous of mind but battling health challenges that diminished quality of life. I cared for each of them through their last days. It was a time of great love and poignancy and the honor of my life to be with them in that final chapter. I was fortunate to have for such a long time and truly blessed to share in their last days.
Oh, wow, Susan. Both parents...! You must come from strong, clear-eyed stock, and yes--what a gift to be able to offer that kind of support. Not everyone would step into that willingly; I applaud the selflessness you showed for them. Thanks for reading Steve's story.
Beautiful, Elizabeth. I decided to listen this time, instead of reading, and your voice added a richness and depth that made me feel the story of Steve’s life vividly.
In a year when I have lost much of what was precious to me, all unexpectedly, Steve’s story helped me to put things into perspective. Life is never over until, in a very real way, we decide that it is over. Steve’s life story helped me to strengthen my resolve to explore what I have not explored, to build what I have not built before, and to love what I have not yet learned to love.
This is a remarkable comment, Switter, one I'm sure Steve would be happy to read. "To love what I have not yet learned to love..." To me, that feels like the noblest of missions.
I'm sorry for the unexpected losses in your life but glad for your resolve. Glad, too, that our paths intersect here. Thank you.
An important story, beautifully told. My condolences on the loss of this person in your life and community. And also, what a gift to have such a friendship. I agree, we don't talk enough about death. I had to when I was visiting my daughter, as she is my medical decision-maker if I can't make my own decisions, and we needed to talk through my advance directive. I found myself saying something similar to Steve: I've lived a full life and had all the experiences most important to me. I welcome more, but I don't need more. That realization is a gift, too. I hope your writing opens a conversation for others.
Rita, that you and your daughter have the presence of mind to be having this conversation now is truly remarkable. So many people put it off until there's a crisis.
It has been an unexpectedly somber day. Something about putting this out into the universe made the loss that much more tangible, and Steve that much more present.
Thank you for your understanding. If this could help build a conversation bridge for someone -- well, I couldn't ask for a better outcome than that. Thank you for being here.
What a courageous, clear-thinking and spirited man. Nothing but respect for his considered decision. Vale to an inspiring man.
I'm so glad that our state here in Australia has legalised assisted dying, as have a number of other states. It means one can die at home and amongst friends and family if one chooses.
In approaching this piece, I did a deeper exploration of medically assisted dying than ended up on the page. Probably there's a follow-on essay to be written.
I'm glad to know Tasmania has created a legal framework and that it can be used at home. Suffice to say that in most places, the process is not as straightforward as I previously thought.
Thank you for seeing Steve as he truly was, Prue.
Your friend sounds like he was an amazing person. There are two brave people in this story - Robert Blizzard for all the big decisions he made, and you for eloquently sharing his story.
Thank you, Linda. I appreciate your kind words. Hard as it was to get this story down in a way that I hoped served Steve well, I give him all the credit for bravery, starting with his willingness to let me try. I am so grateful to know you saw that in him.