Author Introduction
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"Dying Has Turned Out to Be Complicated" / 474 At what age did you learn that you are mortal? For many Americans, it comes with a fender-bender or an extended illness. "Wait a second," you think to yourself, "I can't continue to be reckless all my life." Michael O'Brien learned that he was HIV positive and had less that four years to live. He decided to take his own life at the age of 50 on 11 March 1992, instead of suffer through AIDS. "Dying Has Turned Out to Be Complicated" is part of his personal journal. He wrestles with the ethical dilemma of springing his impending death on his family and friends. He revels in being able to present a "tidy death" to those who care about him. And he thinks very practically about what happens to a person when there's no need for long-range plans. As you read O'Brien's piece, empathize with his position. What would you do if you had about as much time to live as it will take to finish your degree? Would you be scared? He was. Would you plan your final arrangements? He did. Would you wait a little while to tell your family and friends? What becomes important to you if you know you're going to die? What would you write if you had to create your own obituary? You might take a look at this week's obituaries in your local newspaper. Michael O'Brien lived in Oregon, a very socially progressive state. This state has been in the national news in recent years because of doctor-assisted suicide. Should someone have the right to end one's own life? What are the dangers if this is a legal option? What are the benefits? It really is a complicated subject, as we learn from Michael O'Brien's experience. Check out these websites on Oregon's continued debate about the "Death With Dignity Act":
You might also be interested in reviewing the Elton John AIDS Foundation website. Also, the critical readings for this essay add to O'Brien's piece by offering other narrative accounts of discovering infection.
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