"My Choice"
From the author: "I am not sure this is the right place for this, but I have written a poem that I
truly hope might be of some help to those travelling this journey. I am the Poet Laureate of
Gananoque, Ontario and my heart is in what I write. I watched my son live and die with
cancer over a 22 year period so I know about the journey. Had he wanted to choose MAiD I
would have supported him but that didn't happen. Now all I can do is hope that perhaps my
words might touch someone.
My Choice
My body now is failing
And I am wracked with pain
My mind is strong and steady
I have a healthy brain
You look at me with pity
You see me through your eyes
But you must understand this is my body
I beg you to realize
You have no right to tell me
That I don’t have a choice
Even if the words may fail me
I still do have a voice
I alone can walk in my shoes
You can only walk by my side
If you truly love me
Accept what I decide
You did not tell me how to live
Don’t tell me how to die
Just be there to support me
And then kiss me goodbye
So I ask of you my darling
Let this be your final gift to me
Please respect my wishes
And let me “Die with dignity”
- Gretchen Huntley, Bridge C-14 Supporter