When I read the comments of the Schindlers and their attorney (The attorney said that he told Ms Schiavo that she wouldn't have to die if she was able to say 'I want to live' and that is what produced 'Aaaaaaa waaaah') I have to wonder: If they truly believe that she understands what they say and that she is trying to communicate- are they really willing to have her die in an agitated state? I can't imagine anything more horrible than to fail at communicating something so vital.

I have been present at the deaths of two loved ones who were taken off food and water at a certain stage. We swabbed their dry lips and mouths and kept them as comfortable as we could. One was under medication, the other was not. In both cases, life ebbed and sank; there were no dramatic moments.