My 94-year-old parents had things to tell me this week.

[Nitram]

32. Over the last four years of their lives, I waatched both my parents die. They were in their 90s.

The one thing I learned was the mistake they made in assuming "advanced medical treatments" means "tubes in all their orifices." The fact is they both had their lives prolonged well beyond the time they were ready to die through the 24-hour care that constantly monitored and adjusted their blood pressure, their blood sugar and other indicators. I learned that medical science no longer needs tubes and respirators to keep us alive well beyond the time we are meant to die. When I reach the point where my quality of life is close to nil, my DNR will order that no measures at all will be taken to keep me alive beyond pain medication if required. Not even an aspirin! My Dad changed his DNR in the end to read the way, and it was a great relief to see his wishes honored.