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I love Europeans
The Sydney Morning Herald - One of my favourite people is an old boyfriend’s mum, Marijke, a stuttering Dutch psychologist, heart of gold, body of a Veronica and a penchant for buying old furniture, painting it beige and re-upholstering it in calico.
Meeting her in my teens was a revelation. The women I knew mostly fell into the category of teacher, housewife, mother, nurse or tuckshop lady rather than fiercely independent, free-thinking European woman who cooked lentils, travelled the world and danced to her own tune. Clothes optional.
I caught up with Marijke a while ago to meet her new man, Rene, a Dutch cardiologist. The little boys and I rolled up to a breakfast by the sea. Whole-wheat pancakes, bowls of stewed fruit the colour of jewels, fluffy clouds of yoghurt, steaming cups of coffee and light streaming in. At the moment I was reflecting on what a healthy sight it was, Rene pushed his chair back and lit a cigar. At the table.
I love Europeans.
He turned to me and said: ”Cathy, did Marijke tell you how we met?”
”No, she didn’t.”
He took a drag of his cigar and said: ”I killed her father.”
read on>>
Rene had legally euthanised Marijke’s father in the Netherlands, where euthanasia is legal. A death with a happy ending.
I thought of Marijke and Rene when I addressed the Dying With Dignity Rally on the steps of Parliament House last week.
Passionate supporters huddled together on the steps like many Melburnians past. I hoped this was the last rally for euthanasia ever, but infuriatingly I knew it wouldn’t be. Despite the need for our laws to catch up to reflect social progress and our community values, 85 per cent of people support voluntary euthanasia. whole story here
Catherine Deveny’s one woman show God Is Bullshit has been extended due to popular demand. For more details go to www.catherinedeveny.com Her column appears in The Age’s MelbourneLife on Wednesday.
april 21st, 2010 at 4:31 am
Me too…
april 21st, 2010 at 4:50 am
With salt and pepper!
april 21st, 2010 at 6:54 am
Reason not religion disagrees with euthanasia. You forgot to mention the old people in the Netherlands who choose to hop across one of the borders to get treatment when needed so as to avoid some kind person deciding it is time for them pop off. This is why aussie politicians of all ilk, athiest and religious dont want to open this particular pandoras box. You may know people who were helped to die when they wanted. I know people who euthanased against their will both in the Netherlands and here in Oz where it is still supposedly illegal.
rational chick
april 21st, 2010 at 6:55 am
@rational chick
That’s not euthanasia, that is, by definition, murder.
Legalising euthanasia won’t decriminalise murder.
Chatters
april 21st, 2010 at 6:55 am
I know people who euthanased against their will both in the Netherlands and here in Oz where it is still supposedly illegal.
rational chick - April 21, 2010, 9:55AM
If you know people in Australia euthanized against their will here in Australia you should have reported it.
In fact you’ve highlighted one of the major problems with it being illegal: those who want to (and should be able to) take that path cannot be open and honest with all concerned. Leads to people having convoluted discussions, always open to misinterpretation.
bornagirl
april 21st, 2010 at 10:19 am
Met een sigaar in de hand kom je door het hele land. Praat wat makkelijker, openhartiger ook. Zou Marijke wat te erven hebben gehad?
Leuk opzetje voor een discussie, dit verhaal. Het raakt kennelijk een gevoelig punt.