Lesson of Terri Shiavo case: complete living will.

Byline: Michael Vitez

Terri Schiavo lies in a bed, a tube in her stomach, her brain withered and her consciousness gone, forever.

But because of her, all around America, there is so much sound and fury.

What does it signify?

A few things. First, all rational people should race to one of many websites, print out the forms, and complete a living will clarifying what kind of treatment they would want at the end of life. They should also designate, in writing, whom they want to make decisions on their behalf if they become like Terri Schiavo.

You're not only doing yourself a favor. Way more important, you're doing your family a favor. Do you want them thrust into court and into the media spotlight _ their grief and feuding exploited on the world stage? You are going to die. Even Elvis died. Fill out a form. Let family know what you want. Make it easier on them.

Second, America has made incredible progress in the last 20 years in trying to improve care for the dying, in trying to give citizens more control about what treatments they want _ or don't want _ at the end of ...