Flowers, Robert S.

eVols at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Medical News. All that was required was one check mark and a signature. ~ Letters to the Editor [ ) I support legislation preventing physician-assisted suicide [ ) I support legislation legalizing physician-assisted suicide Out of 1,900 ballots sent out, only 36 responded: 21 opposing and 15 in favor. Judging by the comments made to me in hospital halls, at medical meetings, and on the phone, physicians in Hawaii do have opinions on physician-assisted suicide- usually very firmly, but are reluctant to state their personal views for the record. Thanks to Dr. Ann Catts for bringing the Gallup poll to my attention. Thanks also to the Blue-Ribbon Panel members, our diplomatic and tireless Chairman Hideto Konno, Marilyn Seely and her staff who kept us well-supplied with reams of documents, photocopies and references, and also kept our coffee cups full. References 1. GaUup, G.H. ·'Spiritual Beliefs and tOO Dying Process: a Reportln a National Survey,' George H. Gallup International Institute, 1997. 2. Meier, D.E. et al-A National Survey of Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia in the United States, N. Eng. Med. 1998; 338: 1193-1201. Father's Day Poem Proud Father I saw them standing there It's bein so many years-years of change and tears Since I had seen them there. Standing side by side, Different postures each-Those two I'd tried to teach To stand tall side by side. I'd longed to see them grin As even now they did-So little change since kids, When I loved to see them grin. Walking just ahead-Both in blazers blue, Clowning as they used to do--Walking or jumping in bed. I felt a father's pride In two such handsome sons-Collegiate work all done. I felt a father's pride As I saw them standing there. Robert Swaim Flowers MD -Aloha Dr Goldstein, This is to thank you for your excellent and eloquent piece in Saturday's Star Bulletin.1 It has been my observation that back during my nursing career I was expected to do to my patients things that might have gotten me arrested had I done them to another species of animal. Sad indeed that our patients are dying, tragic that they are forced to do so on the rack, shorn of their dignity and personalities. I am appending a sonnet written by a family member on the occasion of his father's death due to intractible liver cancer-he chose to leave before the full horrors of hepatic illness descended on him-Last Rites "Now is the time," you said, as we three sat Around your bed, the supper dishes done, Your young, new wife, your sister and your son, Just settled down for quiet evening chat. "Now is the time," you said, making your great, Last choice-ours to abet, yours to command-The means beside you just as you had planned, Resolved to die still managing your fate. Mindful of Socrates, you took the draught, The glass in your own hand, "Why so sad?" You asked. "Sit close and let us all be glad Together in our love." And so we laughed, or tried to, holding hands until you slept. Then we went to separate rooms and wept. Name withheld at request of author, a registered nurse. References 1. Goldslein, N, Let1ing Go wilh Dignity Gan be Our Finest Hour. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 1998 (Feb 14), 82. AHA·Iunded scientists develop pacemaker, valve replacement • .:ro=""'aA surgery Educational campaign emphasizes heart attack wamngslgns Washington office opened to be nation's advocate on heart and stroke health Issues AHA's long-term Investment In research surpasses $1 billion HAWAII MEDICAL JOURNAL, VOL 57, JUNE 1998 126 

Father's Day Poem: Proud Father

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Father's Day Poem: Proud Father

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eVols at University of Hawaii at Manoa