Posted on 02/24/2005 2:24:37 PM PST by Nan48
The following is my reply to a petition from The American Family Association. I 'filled in the blanks' so to speak, and wanted to post my reply here, to show my support for the Schindler family. I will be participating with the other petitions as well.
"Dear Judge Greer,
I must admit I had mixed emotions regarding this case in the beginning. Judging by the media reporting, and the 'concern' her husband was showing for her, I initially took the point of view that her husband truly had Terri's best interest at heart. Now, however, after further scrutiny of the entire timeline, I believe her husband is simply seeking to pad his pockets and get out of his responsibilities to his wife.
It was one thing to take on a malpractice suit, which luckily enough came out in Terri's favor. But it is quite another to have a sudden 'revelation' that she would not want to lie like this, and it is time to end her suffering - after her husband discovers there is no way out and no further money coming his way.
In reading as many articles as I could, and looking further into this case, I have come to the conclusion that considering her husband has gone on to a relationship with another woman,and has had two children with her, ending Terri's life is the only way to get her share of the malpractice settlement.
Why else would he not simply turn over guardianship to her parents, if all he wants is to be released of his responsibility? But, he is standing on 'her wishes', claiming this is not what Terri wants. She cannot speak for herself, there are no documents such as a DNR order or any other paperwork such as a Living will to support this. How did he come to this conclusion?
The events surrounding her sudden illness seem strange as well (I have read the hospital discharge summary), and I question why someone has not delved deeper into how she came to be in this shape in the first place. She was healthy, then suddenly on the floor gasping for air? Yes, it happens, but after reading the reports, highly unlikely. Especially considering all testing has come back with no evidenciary support to conclude any disease as the cause.
Due to these facts, I truly believe her husband has capitalized on her illness enough, and it is time to take him out of the equation.
Please allow Terri's mother and father to take her home and care for her. Please don't sentence her to a slow, agonizing death by starvation.
As a mother of two 'almost' adult sons, I can imagine myself in the shoes of the Schindlers. Allow them to care for their daughter. Mr. Shiavo clearly no longer wants the job, so relieve him of his duties.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter. I am hoping you will use all of your knowledge gained during your career, and your own life experiences, to do the right thing. How would you want YOUR child treated?
Bookmarked. Thank you.
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