The book "Final Exit" has lots of suggestions and things not to do.

Doug, I was a Respiratory Therapist for 30yrs. If you can go to live at a low altitude, your blood will carry a lot more oxygen, and shortness of breath will subside a little. I want to read Final Exit, too.

@burnpitscreamer thanks. I'm moving to death valley. I think they are below sea level.

@DougReed Death Valley would do the trick!LOL!! but I think you're kidding. I can't imagine trading the mountains of Colorado for Death Valley.

We had little choice but, at the same time, realized how lucky we were. It turned out to be a transformative experience and one cannot fully appreciate a relationship until one has lost it. I noticed several couple relationship change for the better after this happened.

As with so many things it is a religious thing. In my letter I mentioned the religious say doing this is unnatural yet they will go through any extreme to extend one life. They say they can't wait to meet Jesus but not just yet. I could attach my letter because it has a link to a horrific report by NPR.

@JackPedigo I always am amazed at family members who disregard a loved one's wishes...how selfish. I am an organ donor, with cremation slated for whatever can't be used. My ex insisted throughout our marriage that if something happened to me, he would fight to keep either of those things from taking place. Why, I would ask. He said no one should be mutilated before they are buried. Not a problem...I'm getting cremated! Never had a rational response, and I know it was just superstitious Catholic upbringing for him. Sad.

Would be interested in NPR report, if you have a link.

@LisaFultonave Here is a link to the letter with NPR link at the bottom. [sanjuanjournal.com]

We had a lot of discussion on this subject and a book I read said the 2/3 of people who are ready to die are talked out of it by family members. My partner's brother and sister-in-law got a special Visa from Vancouver BC and came. Her brother kept saying she was doing wrong and wanted her to come to Vancouver to stay with them in their small apartment. The sister-in-law could not stop crying so my partner sent them packing after 2 days. She had become a part of a willed body program with the Univ. of Washington. I called them at her death and they picked her up and returned her ashes a month or so later (now I am a part of the program). The things that happened during this time were unbelievable (I could write a small book). I tell people that when you really love someone you do what they want/need and disregard your own feelings.

@JackPedigo Great letter. Sorry I missed the previous discussion, given I've only recently been active in this site.

@LisaFultonave That's perfectly normal. Many posting/comments I (and I'm sure others) are repeated. Some topics just keep coming up and the Death with Dignity one is an important topic. This morning NPR had a report on the increasing discussion on this subject (sorry, I can't seem to find it). But Death Cafe's and Death over Dinner were mentioned. [deathoverdinner.org]

It is starting to increase world wide.

There are complications and one concerns life (or rather death) insurance. Most will not pay in cases of suicide so legislation has to not include that word.

Unless we have an accident. I have had several and managed to get by but who knows.

Absolutely, but too many put this off as they don't want to deal with uncomfortable issues.

@JackPedigo the way I look at it, it's a fact of life and you might as well be prepared for it as best you can. I sure don't want to leave the decision up to my son's.

She did not chose but she (and myself and the whole community knew) how lucky it happened the way it did. Having choices, especially on how we die can make a huge difference.