And then there is this patronizing insult from Terri's sister this morning:

"Schiavo's sister, Suzanne Vitadamo, said watching her sister deteriorate has been "gut-wrenching" for the family. "I can't imagine any family member having to sit back and watch this happen to somebody that you love," Vitadamo said on "Good Morning America."

So that is the problem, is it? We shouldn't let anyone die? Or is it that we shouldn't have to watch Terri go through the same death process everyone else goes through who experiences a natural death?

My mother just died. She had cut herself off from food and hydration. Eventually she slipped into a coma, and died within 48 hours. It was peaceful. It was merciful. There was a grace to her death I was startled by, yet deeply and profoundly grateful to have been able to be a part of--the very last part of her journey on earth.

Maybe if the parents and siblings got out of their lawyers offices, out of the courts, and off the damn talk show circuit, they would be able to actually be part of those really sad, happy yet bittersweet privleged moments the could have with their daughter, if they just chose to accept what is happening...

Why is their no joy in their heart that she will be free of all her terrible suffering in this hard, cruel world? When my mother finally passed away, I kept telling people how joyous I was at her release from suffering. How I finally understood, for the first time in my life, the meaning of the word "resurrection" in the biblical sense? And I'm and ardent secularist!

The parents and siblings fear and terror of death is truly disturbing to watch, especially because it is SO dysfunctional and unhealthy for them physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if they could somehow all reconcile over Terri's death bed before she passes?