Assisted Suicides

Would that I could die in as compassionate a way as Diane did. When I think of my own death, I wonder how will I manage to say goodby to all those I love and then prepare myself for the “long sleep.”

My fear is that I will not be able to go peacefully, but will be left to deteriorate, with me fighting all the way with whatever physical and verbal strength I have left.

It seems to me that denying terminally ill patients the right to die with dignity forces them to think of horrible alternatives, which their condition will prevent them from carrying out.

A bouquet of red roses to Dr. Timothy E. Quill. I hope my physician and family will be as merciful and understanding as he was.

BARBARA HADE KAPLAN

Los Angeles