When I first heard about this story before reading the details I said “Oh he** no” and after reading it I completely understand where the parents are coming from. Now would I allow my 5 year old decide her fate? I’m still on the fence about it. Meet 5 year old Julianna Snow, she has a severe case of an incurable neurodegenerative illness called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Julianna has never really be able to run and play, she can’t eat, and she’s been in and out of the hospital most of her short life. After her last stay in the hospital she had a talk with her mom Michelle and told her instead of going back to hospital she wants to to heaven.
Michelle: Julianna, if you get sick again, do you want to go to the hospital again or stay home?
Julianna: Not the hospital
Michelle: Even if that means that you will go to heaven if you stay home?
Julianna: Yes… I hate NT (naso-tracheal suction, where a tube was placed down her nose into her lungs without sedation). I hate the hospital.
Michelle: Right. So if you get sick again, you want to stay home. But you know that probably means you will go to heaven, right?
Julianna: (nods)
Michelle: And it probably means that you will go to heaven by yourself, and Mommy will join you later.
Julianna: But I won’t be alone.
Michelle: That’s right. You will not be alone.
Julianna: Do some people go to heaven soon?
Michelle: Yes. We just don’t know when we go to heaven. Sometimes babies go to heaven. Sometimes really old people go to heaven.
Julianna: Will Alex (her 6-year-old brother) go to heaven with me?
Michelle: Probably not. Sometimes people go to heaven together at the same time, but most of the time, they go alone. Does that scare you?
Julianna: No, heaven is good. But I don’t like dying.
Michelle: I know. That’s the hard part. We don’t have to be afraid of dying because we believe we go to heaven. But it’s sad because I will miss you so much.
Julianna: Don’t worry, I won’t be alone.
Michelle: I know. I love you.
Julianna: Madly.
Michelle: Yes, I love you madly. I’m so lucky.
Julianna: And I’m so lucky.
Michelle: Why?
Julianna: Because you love me madly.
Read more of the story here
The parents have been catching a lot of flack for their decision with most people saying a 5 year old can’t completely process what dying actually means. Michelle and her husband stand by their decision.
What do you think?
