We can walk this together — preferably hand-in-hand. With obstacles to clear, we can pace our way to fulfilling the promise of medical assistance in dying.

There were tears, of course, but also much laughter and happiness, just as Jean had wanted. She wanted it to be a celebration of her life. It was her way.

Giving people with dementia the right to consent to assisted dying in advance while they are still of sound mind allows them to exist with increased dignity because they will be able to control how their life plays out in the end.