Prince Friso in Critical Condition Following Skiing Accident: February 17, 2012 - Page 34

kalnel · #**661** 02-24-2012, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baroness of Books

I don't see how it would have any political ramification since Friso gave up his rights to the throne on his marriage. I'm sure at this point whatever decision is made rests in the hands of his family.

I wasn't thinking about it in terms of him being in line to the throne. I'm just wondering if it would create a debate sort of like the Terry Shiavo case in Florida a few years ago. She wasn't even a public figure, but the family's decision to take her off life support became headline news for weeks.

Baroness of Books · #**662** 02-24-2012, 04:18 PM

Oh, I see....

But I really think and hope in this case, the family will all reach a consensus to act in a compassionate manner that's best for Friso and those nearest to him to not prolong the agony of a situation that will not turn out well. His being a member of a prominent royal family ought not to color that decision.

olebabs · #**663** 02-24-2012, 04:28 PM

I hope, if this is the alternative, that God calls him home soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by windsorgirl

It just occurred to me that Prince Friso probably has some sort of medical directive/living will that outlines what his wishes would be for life support in just such a situation. I have one, and I'm just an ordinary American citizen; I imagine that in his position, both as a royal and as an executive of a corporation, such contingencies were considered. I hope so, as it would alleviate some of the burden of decision making at a time like this. Either way, my prayers are with his entire family...it's such a sad, sad time for all of them.

Sister Morphine · #**664** 02-24-2012, 04:29 PM

The most loving and selfless thing a person can do is eliminate the suffering of another human being or loved one. If there's no chance that Prince Friso will regain consciousness or have anything close to resembling a normal life, the humane thing to do is turn off life support and remember him as he was, not as he is now. It's not an easy decision to make, but it's still the most compassionate. I've had to make that decision for a family member, and it was hard, because in the back of your mind you're always thinking, "What if?", but leaving him hooked up to machines for God only knows how long because you are afraid of facing the truth is just cruel, and prolongs the hurt and anguish you will feel when they finally succumb.

May the DRF find peace and solace in this difficult time.

lucien · #**665** 02-24-2012, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muhler

Thanks, Lucien.

Then let him find peace, and let his family find peace.

Indeed,so be it.

kalnel · #**666** 02-24-2012, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sister Morphine

The most loving and selfless thing a person can do is eliminate the suffering of another human being or loved one. If there's no chance that Prince Friso will regain consciousness or have anything close to resembling a normal life, the humane thing to do is turn off life support and remember him as he was, not as he is now. It's not an easy decision to make, but it's still the most compassionate. I've had to make that decision for a family member, and it was hard, because in the back of your mind you're always thinking, "What if?", but leaving him hooked up to machines for God only knows how long because you are afraid of facing the truth is just cruel, and prolongs the hurt and anguish you will feel when they finally succumb.

I had to make that decision with my mother a few months ago. It was heart-breaking, but it was the right thing. It's hard not to think "what if" or second-guess yourself.

Baroness of Books · #**667** 02-24-2012, 04:41 PM

We had a similar situation with my own father and while making that decision to take him off life support was one of the most difficult we've ever faced in our lives, the alternative to his existence would have been unimaginable. We've come to terms with that decision, knowing it was the most merciful and humane thing to do. But not without our feelings of guilt that always accompany a decision of this magnitude. I hope Friso's family can eventually make the right choice whenever that time comes and if all medical hope is exhausted. As I mentioned before, I'm sure a wide range of specialists will be consulted for a long-term prognosis before anything terminal is done.

I feel for everyone here who's had to make that decision as well.

Kataryn · #**668** 02-24-2012, 04:48 PM

It is not yet the time, IMHO for the family to force a decision. As far as I understood,the prince's condition is still critical, so his body probably could give up any moment. If he survives,it will take time to really diagnose his situation,start specialmedication and look for any possible reactions.

I know a case where the parents in such a situation wanted to give up and have the machines switched off, but the fiancee fought to get the guardianship,so her fiance could be kept alive.But after five years she couldn't stomach the situation anymore, so she did some sort of ritual to say good-bye to him and "divorced" him, giving the guardianship (and thus the responsibility) back to the parents. A sad situation for the parents who had not wanted this to happen! He is still kept alive....

My thoughts are with Princess Mabel -how terrible it would be if she had to make one day such a decision in order to start a bit of a new life for herself, when he gave up his Royal position for her! But can she stomach being the wife/widow of a living but brain dead husband?

All in all, for us, the Royal watchers, it's time to say good-bye to the public figure of prince Friso. I doubt we will hear much about him in the future and that's good, because in such a situation even a prince is just a family member and it's their privilege to know what's going on.

NGalitzine · #**669** 02-24-2012, 04:51 PM

[QUOTE=Kataryn;1375735].

I know a case where the parents in such a situation wanted to give up and have the machines switched off, but the fiancee fought to get the guardianship,so her fiance could be kept alive.But after five years she couldn't stomach the situation anymore, so she did some sort of ritual to say good-bye to him and "divorced" him, giving the guardianship (and thus the responsibility) back to the parents. A sad situation for the parents who had not wanted this to happen! He is still kept alive....

QUOTE]
How incredibly cruel.

anele14 · #**670** 02-24-2012, 04:56 PM

is terrible.....

AnnieCat · #**671** 02-24-2012, 05:00 PM

What a dreadful, dreadful thing for everyone concerned. All of it. I keep thinking about Mabel; she probably kissed Friso goodbye to go skiing, figuring he'd be back in a few hours and they'd have a nice dinner by the fire . . . and this happens.

Ff the Prince is in a persistent vegetative state, is any rehab possible for him? People can wake from comas, they can do rehab after certain kinds of brain damage, but PVS is different and much worse I believe.

Can someone about the board with more medical knowledge address this?

Sister Morphine · #**672** 02-24-2012, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnnieCat

What a dreadful, dreadful thing for everyone concerned. All of it. I keep thinking about Mabel; she probably kissed Friso goodbye to go skiing, figuring he'd be back in a few hours and they'd have a nice dinner by the fire . . . and this happens.

Ff the Prince is in a persistent vegetative state, is any rehab possible for him? People can wake from comas, they can do rehab after certain kinds of brain damage, but PVS is different and much worse I believe.

Can someone about the board with more medical knowledge address this?

Persistent vegetative state is what Terry Schiavo was in. There's no coming back from that. The brain is effectively dead, for all intents and purposes. As it stands right now, he's deceased, but being kept alive by resuscitation equipment.

Naggi · #**673** 02-24-2012, 05:26 PM

I find the direction that this discussion is turning here very strange. We know what we know from todays press conference - everything else is pure speculation. And the doctor clearly said the family is looking for a rehabiliation center for the prince. I read from this statement that the family has hope for the Prince. Maybe the doctors gave them - though very little - hope, but still there is hope. This is what should count now. All further discussion is meaningless.

We have to respect the whish of the family to be let alone in these dark times. Starting speculations on decisions of live and death is - as I see it - very disrespectful towards the feelings of this family who has now lots of decisions to make.

rubies · #**674** 02-24-2012, 05:30 PM

I have been following this closely all week but not commenting...just waiting. I am so saddened like all. I will continue to pray for mercy from God whatever that may be.

Thena · #**675** 02-24-2012, 05:34 PM

My heart breaks for Queen Beatrix, Princess Mabel and her two little girls. There are no words to describe the pain they must be going through.

lady of hay · #**676** 02-24-2012, 05:36 PM

You are right SisterMorphine , the brain is , to all intents and purposes dead. Here in the UK two independant doctors perform "brain stem " tests to ascertain if there is any activity. The Prince will be ,as you suggest, ventilated and monitored.
My thoughts and prayers are with Prince Friso and his family at this time

Kataryn · #**677** 02-24-2012, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NGalitzine

How incredibly cruel.

Yes, but in a way understandible, isn't it? I just gave that example to show how really difficult a situation like that is. Though I have a lot of understanding for the fiancee mentioned, I still feel it was not right. But how would I have coped? Probably not even that long!

And for Mabel her situation is so, so bad. She surely loves her husband. She probably loves but surely respects her MiL. But here are the children to consider. And herself.

It's early times but already I feel for her apart from the current terrible situation. Whatever happens, she'll be a loser. The media will make sure of that.

leene · #**678** 02-24-2012, 05:42 PM

This is just dreadful news. May God give Mabel, Our Queen, Friso's brothers and other family the strength and wisdom to cope with this horrible situation.

Some forum members are speaking of turning of life support. I wonder if he is on life-support. I don't think so... he might just be breathing on his own. Makes the decisions even more difficult. But let's not discuss this here on this forum I agree with Naggi to respect the wishes of the family and not to speculate on decisions of live and death

sesa · #**679** 02-24-2012, 05:51 PM

As another poster posted earlier, "there is life and then there is death. What the Prince has is neither. Heartbreaking as it is, I hope the family makes whatever decision quickly, so that he may find some peace. And as the old saying goes" live each day like it's your last. You never know what may happen that you may never return to your loved ones." I hope his and his families last memories of each other are filled with love and happiness. May God bless the Prince and his family.

gerry · #**680** 02-24-2012, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leene

This is just dreadful news. May God give Mabel, Our Queen, Friso's brothers and other family the strength and wisdom to cope with this horrible situation.

Some forum members are speaking of turning of life support. I wonder if he is on life-support. I don't think so... he might just be breathing on his own. Makes the decisions even more difficult. But let's not discuss this here on this forum I agree with Naggi to respect the wishes of the family and not to speculate on decisions of live and death

Indeed let this speculation stop, just as the Dutch Television service NOS has announced it will no longer broadcast images of this family in grief.