If there is a lesson for all of us – conservative, liberal or whatever other political belief – to learn from the tragic case of Terri Schiavo, it is this: Every adult should have a living will.

Much pain and suffering could have been avoided if there had been a written or recorded will from Terri Schiavo stating if she wanted to live the way she has been since 1990.

A living will lets you decide how to live your life and takes the choice away from others.

A living will would prevent a spouse, parents, lawyers, judges, lawmakers and even the President, from making a decision about your fate.

More importantly it would also prevent your dear family members from having to bear the burden of deciding whether you would live or die.

We urge all adult residents in Butler County, including those who are 18-years-olds, to look into drafting a living will.

– even those relative youngsters who just ended their high school education – to look into drafting a living will. There are many resources on the Internet on preparing an Alabama Living Will and Primary Health Directive, as well as many local attorneys who can also answer your questions and concerns.

Death is not something any of us really want to face or even think about, but we have to use this poor woman as an example.

While all life is precious, do we really want others to speak for us if the same happened to us?

For your own sake and your own peace of mind and your loved ones' peace of mind, spend some time thinking about this situation.