The tragic case of Terri Schiavo – the Florida woman who's in a persistent vegetative state and at the center of a right to die battle between her husband and parents. The case now involves the Governor, Legislators, the courts, as well as her family. Schiavo never signed a living will, which lets people exercise their right to die should they become comatose.

What can we take away from this heartbreaking scenario? It's the importance of having one's affairs in order…

Have you assembled your living will? Have you declared your other desires on paper? Have you updated it? Does someone other than immediate family know where that document is, and what it says? What may seem an unpleasant task is actually the most responsible action you could take. Having a plan NOW could spare your loved ones needless pain and suffering.

I'm Ann Sutton. That's our opinion. We welcome yours.