"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