morbid maybe, but necessary.

with all the litigation surrounding terri, i decided to ensure this never happens to me (not that i have a completely inhuman husband like some people unfortunately had) by finding and filling out an advanced directive, or what was previously known in california as a living will or durable power of attorney for health care ("dpahc").

and with all that we've gone through with my dad, i can't stress enough how important it is to have a document like this on hand. and while you're at it, i'd recommend highly creating a financial power of attorney. you just wouldn't believe how much time, energy and worry this will save your family if you are incapacitated. even better, get a living trust which takes care of pretty much everything.

we had pressured our dad for years to get a trust arranged, but he never budged. i know it's difficult to face our own mortality; i certainly had my questions as i was filling out a simple form i downloaded (do i want my organs used for cosmetic surgery? yes, for children or the needy, not for some nose job in beverly hills), but it's imperative. and don't you want to go how you want to go? not how a court, a president, the congress, a de facto ex-husband or even your parents dictate? 

i certainly do. and i hope that terri went the way she wanted, too.

california readers, this is a good place to begin. this page includes a link to a pdf version of an advanced directive. other states, check out this page. or for $30, check out this little helper.