My condolences to Ms. Barkin and her family and my thanks to her for sharing her experience in "Death with Dignity (and Love)" (Reflections, March). My mother and I are both nurses and we were both with my stepfather, a retired neurologist, when he died peacefully in Oregon. We are thankful that his death was peaceful and just what he wanted. He was thankful for Oregon's Death with Dignity Act. He felt empowered and was very clear in his wishes to have control when facing his terminal illness. He had a birthday party and took time with family and friends to say goodbye and exchange stories. He did everything he could in his frail state to tie up loose ends. He was enrolled in hospice care. There is never a good time to lose a loved one, but we were able to grieve knowing that he did not suffer. Clearly this choice is not for everyone, but for him it was the only one.

Lisa V.S., via Facebook