Esteemed, straight-talking journalist delivers an informed and passionate argument in favor of compassionate choice at the end of life.

DM: What inspired you to write about death and dying?

I was 19 when my mother died of liver disease. At the time, there were no laws in place which would have recognized her terrible suffering and wish to die. Eleven months later, my father died of a heart attack, but really, my mother’s death broke his heart. Many years later, my husband’s Parkinson’s had reached a point where he begged the doctor to help him die. But without a medical aid in dying law, the doctor said, “I’m sorry, I cannot help you.” And so, my husband took matters into his own hands by starving to death. It took 10 days for him to die. Pretty awful for him and the entire family.

DM: What is one lesson you’d like readers to take away from your work?

The conversation about death is not one, but many. And you must have those conversations so everyone knows what you want and you know what your loved ones want.

DM: What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being with my entire family and my little dog.

DM: What is your current state of mind?

I am very involved with medical aid in dying {MAID}.

DM: Who are your favorite writers?

Oh my gosh! So many…let’s see, Tony Morrison, John Grisham…

DM: What are you reading, what’s on your bedside table?

Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham.

DM: What is one thing people never imagined about you?

I don’t like heights or huge crowds. For that reason, I don’t go to baseball or football stadiums.

DM: What book would you like to be buried with?

The Bible.

DM: What is your exit plan? How would you like to die?

Surrounded by my family and my dearest friends.

DM: Finish this sentence: “My perfect last day on earth, I’d be ________?

Having a glass of champagne with friends and family, telling stories & loving each other.

DM: If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

Probably a peony.

DM: If heaven exists, what would you like to hear when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

I do believe heaven exists and hope all the people I loved and lost will be there to greet me.

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Exit Interviews Are Edited for Clarity.