Interesting juxtaposition of events
Of course Lauren Hill appears to have some time left (we hope) and who knows what awaits in that time. But the two young ladies present an excellent basis for discussing the topic of assisted suicide.
I know that some have deep religious convictions on it, and there is no way we can change their mind. But I think Maynard had it right, her cause of death was brain cancer and not suicide. She only chose the day that brain cancer killed her. Given that one of her symptoms was extreme headaches that meds couldn't prevent, I can't say I disagree with her choice. It isn't as if she was just going through a bad patch and time might present a way out. The problems were just going to worsen.
I honestly don't know what my reaction would be in her position, but I think how someone faces death should be left up to them. I'm not in favor of legalizing all suicides, but in the Kevorkian style cases I can't help but think we should allow the individual to decide when they have taken all the pain and suffering they wish to take.
As to Lauren Hill, first it is amazing the NCAA got it right in letting them move the game up. Second it is both a sad and uplifting story, an unusual combination. The interesting thing to me is my reaction to this story. I wonder how much of our reaction to her story is due to our age? I'm not sure I would have found it as "incredibly moving and humbling" (to steal your line) at 19 as I do now. I think there is something to getting older that makes life seem more precious. It may be that we no longer believe ourselves invincible, or maybe the reality our time is closer makes a difference, or maybe having children that age is the difference maker.
ESPN last week did a story on a North Carolina High School girl with MS. A story about her is
here. In the ESPN story I thought they said her first love was soccer, but she had to give that up after the diagnosis. She wasn't a very good runner when that happened, but once she devoted herself to running her abilities improved to the point she won the state. If you can find the ESPN video, watch it. Very moving story. She can't feel her legs after she starts running, so she has to have her coach at the finish line physically catch her. Read that article, especially the last paragraph.