The love of my life, Peter Clark, chose to end his journey on September 20, 2024. He had told me in April that he would like just one more summer. 
 
In 2018, he was a healthy 68-year-old having the best life in his second marriage – travelling, enjoying attending music events and festivals, and loving life. Then a roller coaster ride changed it all. 
 
His back hurt when he got off Everest at Animal Kingdom at Disney World, and when we returned home, he went to the doctor to see if he could get a diagnosis. 2019 would become the year from hell for us: degenerative disc disease, arthritis, triple bypass, prostate and bladder cancer and the most terrifying diagnosis of all, kidney disease. His numbers were very low, so dialysis had to be started immediately. 
 
We coped with everything and still managed a good life until 2023 when he started having extreme body spasms, called myoclonus. Sitting for any length of time, and especially car rides were triggers. Pain, anger and frustration became the norm. Top that off with a diagnosis in 2023 of mixed dementia, and he felt totally defeated. 
 
Watching him suffer was heartbreaking, and I asked him what he envisioned for whatever life he had left. We boldly tried a CBD regime prescribed by Canada House, as no mainstream drugs helped him. For about six months, there was some relief, and we were hopeful. However, by the spring of 2024, it was obvious the positive effect was wearing off. 
 
We had gone through the required meetings and evaluations, starting in 2023, for him to receive approval for MAID, and we were very grateful for the incredible compassion received from the team. 
 
On September 10th as we were making the five-minute trip to the grocery store, he was in agony in the first minute. He also had been having some unexpected personal friend and family issues which had left him angry, sad and disappointed. My health was starting to feel the effects of five years of caregiving, and our doctor felt long-term care in a dementia ward was the best option for Peter.  

“I am done dear, make the call.” 
 
It was a very difficult 11 days, but I am so very grateful he was able to make that choice. He went peacefully to sleep, surrounded by those who loved him the most, exactly when he wanted. A dignified death of one of the sweetest men who ever lived. I miss him so much every day, but know the right decision was made. 
 
I am a strong proponent of this program, and sincerely hope more and more people will find it, and needless suffering of terminally ill people and their families will end. Quality of life is what is most important. 
 
I included his final picture, taken September 19, sharing a toast to a life well lived with people he loved.