It’s been a tense few days in Topsy-Turvy land.
All arrangements for the difficult visit to Switzerland were in place. Flat to Heathrow via taxi to Paddington station and then the Heathrow Express (easiest and quickest way with me in the Peacemobile wheelchair). At Heathrow staff will give me an airport wheelchair and will take the Peacemobile to go in the hold of our flight. Staff take us through security and into a lounge. We get to the boarding desk early and go onboard first, to the special ‘bed recliners’, praying I can get the back support I need to counter the head-drop and ease breathing. At Zurich, wheelchair assistance through passport control to pick up bags and the Peacemobile which I then use. Wheelchair-suitable taxi specially ordered to the hotel. Next day a day of rest. Following morning to Dignitas. All meticulously arranged.
Six days ago the sky fell in. Omicron, the latest Covid strain, caused Switzerland to impose a 10-day quarantine on Brits arriving there. Disaster. Physically I couldn’t possibly cope with that. The hotel, chosen because it has the facilities I need, would be prohibitively expensive. The extra liquid food and medicine would be a problem. The Dignitas schedule would be disrupted. There was no way I could travel. All plans in disarray. How to obtain an exemption?
At this point think about this: I found myself desperately anxious not to prolong my life; seriously worried that my death might be postponed; getting morbid about the prospect of seeing Christmas. Now how many people ever think in that way? Topsy-Turvy Land indeed.
Dignitas and a Swiss ministry pointed us to the Canton of Zurich. Typically Swiss, decisions on such things as exemptions are made locally.
So we wrote to the canton. Two stressful days followed. Then the exemptions came through. Huge relief. They’re only for carer (Tim) and me though, on medical grounds. The other two companions would have to quarantine, so they’re not travelling. It will just be Tim and me.
Well, It’s been a roller-coaster. We could have done without it, but thankfully it’s returned us to some sort of normality in this rather tense time.
No more shocks please.
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A little bit more on this. I have relented. Through Dignity in Dying we’ve learned that the Sunday Times, supporting the Assisted Dying cause in Britain, thinks that my recent shock about possible quarantine adds real time evidence of the disruption to lives when a very sick person has to go abroad. They’d like to use the story to add more pressure to change the law. I’ve agreed a text with DiD, in my name. It might be published this coming Sunday the 5th.
That must be it!
I was once a hotel waiter in Kanton Basel-Stadt (two summers, early-70s)… love all the cantonal flags… These days were a bit before the Saudi Arabian period with BAe… I like your ‘hair tearing out’ graphic… Seriously though, you deserve calm seas now David…
Dearest David……. I thought this might happen when I saw the news about the Swiss restrictions. Am so relieved that the Canton has seen the humanitarian need of people like you and allowed you to proceed. Bless Tim……..he is a wall of strength and we send all our love and support to him too.
Thinking of you every day and my knees are worn out praying!
Yes, we have been thinking of you as the news about the travel restrictions came through and wondering if your plans would be disrupted. It is a relief that the exemptions have been granted. It is a shame you have had that anxiety . It also sad that your two other companions cannot be there, but you will have many, many friends there with you, and in spirit if not in person. We think of Tim as well. The Sunday Times will have some extra readers this Sunday!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
David, I’m so glad that “Sir Omicron Pye” has not derailed your plans and all credit to the Canton authorities for their intelligent and compassionate response.
Calm Seas for you and Tim.
Thank you for taking the time and energy to share all this, as ever, Dear David Invictus. Again, so very relieved, and thankful to Tim and the canton.
As it happens, Captain Cat was put to sleep today. You’ve outlived your nemesis! It was wonderfully calm, quick, peaceful – he put his head on his paws, purring.
Oh, that the journey were as easy for you as taking Captain to Bovey Tracey. I’m so pleased that The Times may run this very powerful story – it’s beautifully fitting that you will have real positive influence at this late stage, as you have throughout your illness, and throughout your life in many lovely ways old boy.
But I’m also very confident that when you get to Dignitas after that epic journey, it will be as calm and positively peaceful as it was today for Cap’n. You very much deserve it. Shanti Shalom Salaam. X