Buttercups & Burlap

What are your thoughts on euthanasia?

Oh what a heavy topic! For animals or humans? My husband and I had to “put down” our dog due to kidney disease. My husband was with him at the end. It’s just over a year since I lost my cat. I had him for almost 16 years. He had begun to go downhill really fast. After two days I decided to take him to the vet because I didn’t want his last days on earth to be full of pain. However, I knew I couldn’t be in the room when he took his last breath and died in my arms. I am not strong enough! My husband offered to take him. Luckily, he didn’t have to endure that devastating goodbye because my cat died in his sleep that night. I think having the right to euthanasia for both pets and people is important, however if you choose it or don’t choose it that’s up to you and it’s no one’s business. It is no one’s right to condemn you. I think making informed decisions is the best we can do in life. I did have a family friend, a woman I regarded as somewhat of an aunt make use of “doctor assisted suicide,” as it used to be called, I think now they accepted term (I could be wrong) is Medical Assistance In Dying (MAID). I know the hell that she went through and the bravery in which she faced death.

Prompt from: Piccadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts

What about you!

Have you ever been cheated on?

Yes! And let me tell you, it hurt like hell! The first time was when  I was 15 and it was my first real boyfriend. At the time my dad was also dying so my heart and soul were pretty much shattered to start with. He cheated on me with a girl at his school and then confessed; which I guess at least he had the guts to tell me but it was more so I think a way to justify breaking up with me. Looking back, I think he cheated because I wouldn’t “go all the way” with him. It was super annoying because he cheated on ME and then he dumped ME! I never got the chance to dump him. We belonged to a youth organization and were having a big wind-up and awards celebration. He had the audacity to bring her to the event. Everyone in the group knew what happened of course so it felt extra embarrassing. Although it was slightly comforting because he was taking flack from our friends all day. He even tried to sidle up and be nice and friendly like nothing had happened. In the fall when the organization started up again; he was never seen again; I guess in the break up I got the club!

Prompt from: Piccadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts

What about you?

Who has been the best leader of your country, past or present (ex: president, royalty, prime minister, etc.)? 

What an impossible prompt to answer. It seems like we are undergoing quite the “re-examination of historical figures process,” which is good! We need to think critically about those we idolize and hold up, rather than revering them without thought. It is important that we hold up only those who have truly been good or done good work. I have had my idols or those who I have been led to believe are idols knocked down a peg or two, or many. I can’t pick a “best” leader. The best leaders are ones who are in it for the right reasons, who admit defeat when bested, who are answerable for their actions, who use tax dollars judiciously, keep their promises, don’t sacrifice their beliefs or values or platform, who are visible, who care, who inspire and to keep the country together. A tall order but constituents demand and deserve a lot from their elected officials.

Prompt from: Piccadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts

What about you?