I am not a very political person, but I do believe that people have the right to make their own choices and have their own opinion.  Others don’t feel that way.  They feel their way is the right way and that’s that.  So sometimes, when we do take a stand, we have to bear unkind and often harsh criticism.  It takes courage to have an opinion, and to be true to yourself regarding that opinion.

I recently watched The Suicide Tourist on PBS, which chronicles a high school classmate of mine’s father’s (Craig Ewert’s) journey to obtain an assisted suicide after being diagnosed with ALS.  I tuned in because I personally knew the family and had been alerted about it on Facebook.

I was moved by the story of a family dealing with losing their father.  I lost my own mother a few years ago and I know what hardship it is to lose a parent early in life.

However, instead of being sad at the end of the film, I was in awe.  I was blown away by the strength of their family (this coming from someone with a very strong family) and their ability to be courageous in the face of very, very harsh criticism.  Watching the film, reading the articles and the son’s Facebook posts filled me with pride from just barely being associated with this family.

I am so impressed by the Ewart family, and will use their story as a reminder of what real courage is.  And what a strong support system can do.  Thank you, thank you Ewerts.  I am so sorry for your loss, and I am so happy to know you.