Last day of life all planned out, down to the polka [View All]

[RiverStone]

PORTLAND -- Lovelle Svart woke up Friday knowing it was the day she would die.

There was much to do. Her family and closest friends would be gathering at 11 a.m. in the Portland assisted-living center where she lived with her mother.

She directed trips to the grocery store and even called AAA to jump-start the dead battery of her 2006 Scion. She double-checked delivery of food platters. There would be pink roses on the dining table and a boom box in the corner to play the polka tunes she loved.

Lovelle made one last trip to a wooden footbridge in a nearby park where she had found quiet sanctuary recently as cancer spread from her lungs through her chest and throat.

The consummate planner, she had choreographed the day. She wanted to leave time -- five or so hours -- for storytelling, polka dancing and private goodbyes. And at 4 p.m., she intended to drink a fatal dose of medication, allowed by Oregon law, that would end her life.

full story here:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003918100_suicide02.html

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A very touching story, and a reminder that her final choice (per Oregon's Death With Dignity Act), protects a fundamental freedom that allowed her to die with dignity and grace - as she wished.

Other states should consider similar legislation.


peace~