Adysthanasia for Cory Aquino
by Dying with dignity? Is it different from euthanasia or, in some cases, assisted suicide?
Obviously, the extraordinary and the ordinary means are relative terms.
Now, humanization of illness and death is about making the experience of sickness and death an experience of the person. Of course, we knew that illness and death are part and parcel of human existence. They are in fact existential pangs. But, despite illness and the prospect of dying, a person is a person. We value persons despite their malady. Moral theologians, especially the bio-ethicists, are making the observation that ordinary means of treatment humanizes and, in contrast, extraordinary means dehumanizes. When one acknowledges the limits of human existence, it is an act of embracing humanity.
Up to the time when a person is bedridden and is very close to stare at death eyeball-to-eyeball, so to speak, human liberty cannot be compromised. It is a defining essence of human beings. In the concrete, it means a person’s decision needs to be respected at all times — even if his/her decision is to have his/her eternal rest.
As Cory meets her Creator, she appears to me as a very courageous woman. And, she is! She stood up against Marcos, braved the dark nights of Martial Law years side-by-side with her husband, and brought back and fought for democracy after the years of the Conjugal Dictatorship. Even more so, her courage consists of this: she’s not afraid of dying.
I surmise that her courage is welling out of her faith. She must have known that even death has been redeeemed by the Paschal Mystery. Yes, death is part of human existence. But, with human-ness, death is saved and, hence, graced.
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Post CommentDeep Blue
On July 6, 2009 at 6:47 am
Well written. Cory must have really suffered a lot owing to the loss of a husband, standing out for her country and the ordeals before the Catholic Church being a mother to a daughter such as Kris.Great work kabayan.
Unofre Pili
On July 6, 2009 at 7:59 am
With all appreciation for this work.
kairos
On July 6, 2009 at 9:22 am
let us also remember the massacre happened at the Hacienda Luisita.There are many brave women also facing difficulties in life. Many peasants’ children are also dying without even knowing what hit them. Never needing euthanasia or adysthanasia, just plain greed of the land owners.
cluves
On July 13, 2009 at 10:08 pm
yes, death is part of human existence but very hard to face with the same serenity like welcoming birth. In spite of so many written words of consolation and assurance that there is something new and better after each death…and yet we fear death!
The Soul Explorer
On July 15, 2009 at 1:06 am
more Prayers for her!
celebrei
On July 23, 2009 at 2:58 am
She is truly a pious woman, the mother of Philippine democracy, may God save her from further pain.
CutestPrincess
On July 26, 2009 at 2:10 pm
very timely article, let’s pray for her!