STORYTIME TAPESTRY

Special Treat   -     March 26, 2005

A Dark Day In America

Sharon Bryant

I'd like to comment on the Terrie Schiavo case.



As a parent who has lost a child who was brain dead, I know the horrendous pain a parent goes through when their child dies.



I have read a lot on this case. And though I'm not a doctor and don't pretend to be, Terrie is not in the same condition my son was. My son had no movement. No eyes open. Nothing. He died in my arms in that condition.







I personally do not like some of the things I have read pertaining to Terrie's case. Therapy that was never given, a divorce her husband refuses to allow her and to be cared for by her parents, and refusal of food.







If what I've read is true, and if what I've heard on the news and radio is true, this story does not fit. There are pieces missing that make no sense.



I also have a very strong belief that when it's our time to go, God will call us home. Terrie has not been called home. If we believe that our lives here are for a purpose, then Terrie's life is also here for a purpose.



She was denied the proper medical treatment any human should have had the right to receive.



No man, judge, courts, lawyers, etc. should starve a person to death. It is a horrible way to die. If Terrie's requests were to never be on any type of support, she should have had it in writing, the same way we all should have. This nation only has her husband's word that this was her wishes. Her parents were not aware of this, only her husband, as he claims.







I feel there is more to this case than what we are told and know. But I believe Terrie should be given the one chance any human should, and that's medical testing and therapy to SEE if her brain damage can be reversed. It's been done in other cases, but she has never been allowed that privilege. Why not? That's the question we are all asking, why has her husband refused any other doctor than the ones he's chosen to look at Terrie? Why couldn't Terrie's parents have one doctor of their choice to see Terrie? 



When did Terrie receive any therapy? 







When Terrie's so called "heart failure" occurred, why didn't her husband discuss with her parents the outcome of Terrie's life? My better half would discuss with my father what should be done if I were in the position that Terrie is.







If Terrie were my child, I would do anything in my power to make sure she received the proper treatment to at least SEE if her condition could be reversed in any way.



Her parents love her. That's obvious and this nation has all seen that.



Whoever allows another human being to starve to death is committing murder. There are mothers in prison right now who starved their children to death. Should we let them go free since in Florida it's all right to starve a person?







Perhaps some have to go through the heartache that never goes away when your child dies to understand Terrie's parents. Believe me, it changes your life. It breaks the human heart and it never totally mends again. My heart is with Terrie's parents and with God.



God has not given permission for man to kill Terrie. Only her husband has.



Terrie deserves one chance to get the treatment she's always been denied. Any parent will go to the end of the earth to do this for their child. I would have had I been given that chance. God took my little boy home with Him.







I wish the judges who refuse to allow Terrie any nourishment would also go the days without food and water they are denying her. Let them see what it feels like. Let them know what it does to the human body. Perhaps they may change their minds.







This is a sad case in this country. Very sad. 



Sharon Bryant

1946 @bellsouth.net