What do you think about the method Florence chose to end her life rather than suffer with a terminal illness?

in opinion polls about dying, most of us want to die in our sleep. The reality is that, at best, only about 10 percent of people die that way. Have you thought about how you would react to a diagnosis of a terminal illness, what you would do if life became intolerable? Have you had any loved ones in that situation, and how did you feel about their choices?

In full disclosure, I am a retired oncology and hospice nurse, so I've spent a lot of time thinking about and talking to patients and others about difficult questions surrounding illness and death and witnessing the consequences of choices made. I don't believe I ever will know how I deal with it until I get there. Our definition of "quality of life" changes as our abilities change...what is acceptable to me now will slowly diminish as my physical and mental abilities diminish. I have also seen too many people who regret that they are still alive, but they are past the point of being physically able to hoard their own pills and open the pill bottle like Florence did. If I can get some enjoyment out of life and loved ones and have a bed overlooking bird feeders and the woods, I think that will be enough. But if pain overtakes my life and my loved ones are suffering to see me in pain, I would probably try to find a way to end the suffering. I think I would let my physical disabilities go on beyond the time that Florence did, but I think everyone should be allowed to make their own choice in the situation of incurable illness.

I think it was typical of her and what I would have expected from a personality like hers. I am sure the mere thought of having people care for her and fuss over her was totally repellant and that was why she chose her way out. I think I would make the same choice if I knew I was going to be seriously debilitated and partly because of the desire not to burden my family but also because I don't feel that at a certain point there is any real living going on so why would I want to stay.

Through life she had selected what she would do. I would like to believe that she didn't want to be a burden but I also believe she thought this choice would make her seem strong.

She is her own person and she does not want the bother of others trying to care for her or pity her. She made death a part of her story on her own terms.

I agree that this method fits Florence's personality and the way she has lived her life. She's very independent, and I think she wouldn't like being helpless and not in control of her own life.

I agree with Joyces, she would never want to be dependent on others, seen as weak, pitied, etc.

I think it is wholly consistent with her character. I would do likewise given the same situation.

I agree, Florence lived her life consistently on her own terms without considering much input from others. It makes sense she would choose her own death whether it conformed with societal norms or preferences. It fit her personality and independence.