Shadowdad: When is Life Not Worth Living?

by Richard Watrous

Hit by successive strokes, Holly Watrous is robbed of both his dignity and his abilities. He reacts by becoming abusive toward those he loves and who love him. His condition worsens, but he does not... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1882349091
• ISBN13: 9781882349098
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Quick Publishing
• Length: 205 Pages
• Weight: 0.69 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Shadowdad, from the Heart

Shadowdad displayed a vision from the heart. Well written and moving, the book certainly touched my heart. A definite read especially for those with aging parents. Rick says it all beautifully.

Quality of life vs. quantity of life

Rick's story about his family's experience with his Dad following several debilitating strokes must have been an extraordinarily difficult story to write. But I'm glad he did it. He discusses honestly the very difficult decisions and emotions families of "no hope, no quality of life" patients face. It is thought provoking and would be an excellent vehicle to facilitate a discussion on assisted suicide/living will issues. We are kinder to our pets at the end of their lives than we are to our family members.

Shadowdad a Riveting Read

Watrous's book contains a moving account of both the author's relationship with his father and the gradual deterioration of his father's physical, mental and emotional conditions following a stroke. Watrous examines his family's experience with a living will in New Hampshire and details his own struggle with the Death with Dignity isssue. Also discussed: resident care, assisted suicide, euthanasia and the rights of humans not to suffer.

Hard to read, hard to put down

This is a gutsy book, particularly the last third, as it chronicles with unusual personal honesty the five-year decline of the author's father from a bright and energetic person to the shell of a man sentenced to a lingering death. This book certainly makes you think about your own end. D H