Living Fully Until Death 1995
Distributed by Fanlight Productions, 32 Court St., 21st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 800-876-1710
Produced by Fanlight Productions
Director n/a
VHS, color, 28 min.
Adult
Health Sciences, Psychology, Death and Dying
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Sheryl Burton, Media Resource Center, Milner Library, Illinois State University, Normal, ILToday most people know the cause of their death for two years before it happens. One hundred years ago, the average age to die was 46 with death usually coming sooner.
Living Fully Until Death presents a touching and human look at the process of dying through the eyes of two people who have consciously chosen to think positively about their dying time. Although this video is highly recommended, it only presents the view of those who have chosen the positive approach to the process. In addition, it is apparent that both people were already positive, open-minded people before the death process started.
We see how both people stay connected to life even as they are dying. The two dying people, Shirley and Morrie, are dying from disease. Both feel they can control the process of their death
Morrie Schwartz, a retired professor, and the same man portrayed in the novel Tuesdays With Morrie, talks and writes openly about his death with everyone including family and friends. His visibly apparent positive attitude and enjoyment of the present moment are quite inspirational.
Shirley, also remaining positive about her dying experience, discusses the resistance she gets from other people when she discusses her death. Both she and Morrie talk about the changes in their bodies and how they will have to adapt. Neither person wants artificial life preservation means.
Morrie honestly shares many thoughts and emotions about death. He unashamedly cries in front of the camera as he tells about old friends coming to see him for the last time. He says he no longer allows false relationships in his life and wonders aloud if we can will ourselves to death.
Morrie says we are a community and tells how he would discuss ending his life with family and friends. Shirley, in contrast, says she would have to make the decision entirely alone as to how and when to end her life, or whether to have surgery to postpone it.
Another interview subject talks of helping his 87 year-old father end his life, and how he was arrested after he told the media about the experience.
Overall, this program shows us how to die with consciousness, dignity and with all the important people and things around us. Again, highly recommended.