Exactly what it says on the title. Article from “The Guardian” here:
Of course, they say that 70% of those who start filling up the paperwork for that don’t go through with it, and Pratchett himself says that his upcoming book and movie are what prevent him from going ahead right now.
I (selfishly, I know) hope there will be enough books and films coming up to keep him busy, and also that there will be some kind of breakthrough regarding Alzheimer’s disease that will allow for a stabilisation or even a reversal of the process.
I though that this was going to be Pterry starting the process of filling the syringe with morphine and cracking open the single malt - I’m relieved that it’s just paperwork.
Terry Pratchett has started the process of ending his life
I’m behind him 100%, but I can’t imagine living in a world that no longer has Sir Terry’s voice in it.
I hope he doesn’t have go through with this. I respect his choice, though.
But last I heard he had three books in the pipeline, dammit! His last few books have shown no fall in quality (Nation, I shall wear Midnight, Unseen Academicals) so I hope and trust that he remains in good health for a long time to come.
The man was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago. He may have largely held his faculties thus far, and no doubt his fans are grateful for whatever works shall be forthcoming.
But there are much worse fates (for family and friends, as well) than the death he now anticipates choosing.
My mother has Alzheimer’s. Or rather, I should say that the body of a woman that I once called Mama is in the end stages of Alzheimer’s. My mother is basically dead, but her body is still alive.
I applaud Terry’s courage and foresight. The end for an Alzheim’ers patient is not pretty or easy, and it’s very hard on the survivors.
Interesting how many don’t go through with it. I’m guessing the process makes them feel more empowered. Alan Carr, who wrote the world’s bestselling book on quitting smoking, was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer a few years ago and made the arrangements with a clinic in Amsterdam, but instead chose to die “conventionally” in a hospital of his illness.
I’m sitting here sobbing. I lost my dad to cancer and my mom to a sudden stroke, and I honestly couldn’t say which was worse - the drawn out process or alive one day, gone the next. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Just watched the programme. Upsetting, but there are worse things than to die at a time of your own choosing, in relative comfort.
Terry has now signed the consent forms, but has not yet decided if he will take his own life. As an Alzheimer sufferer, he has a particular dilemma. If he was to wait until his condition detoriated too much, he would no longer be able to give his consent, making the procedure impossible. He may be forced to take the decison while he still has his faculties and is able to continue with his life. Here’s hoping that day is long delayed, whatever he decides.
If you haven’t read them, here are Terry’s thoughts on the subject from the Richard Dimbleby lecture.
I do hope he brings some sort of closure to Discworld before he goes. What I’d sort of like to see is a montage book, set varying numbers of years past the books we have now, showing the deaths of various major characters. Yeah, morbid, but Pratchett’s death scenes are so well and kindly done that they hardly even seem sad.
