[Perfect Stu]

I'm digging deep for this one.

I have a little cousin. She's, oh...about 8 now. She was born with a rare disease, I'll call it an extreme case of mental retardation. She doesn't know what's right or wrong, she can't really talk (mama, dada, and some goos and gaas)...she can't walk, she can barely sit up. She doesn't understand the concept of using the washroom. It doesn't compute. But damn, when I see a smile on that child's face, it sometimes brings me to tears. I can even make her laugh sometimes. It makes me appreciate life when I'm going through tough times. That little girl means more to me than my other cousins. Thankfully, she has the best mom and dad you could possibly ask for. She was blessed to have them as her parents. I think that my aunt and uncle are some of the best people on the planet.

My point is, I wouldn't care if that child couldn't see me, couldn't hear me, or couldn't think at all. I would care that that child is alive. That it has a soul. Because I know, that even if a little baby couldn't see me, hear me, or have any concious thoughts of me or anything else, I would still love that baby. It makes me think badly of myself for thinking that I'm not the best looking guy around. Or that maybe my parents can't afford a nice car. It really puts things in perspective for me. And I need that type of kick in the ass now and again.

What would I choose in Xantar's scenario? I would want to make that baby's life as long and as peaceful as possible. No matter what it took. No matter what obstacles would lie ahead for the child. The question is so subjective, but my answer is simple. Preserve that life as best as humanly possible.