Today’s show is dedicated to the memory of Cai Emmons, author, screenwriter, and teacher, and one of my favorite guests over the years. In early 2021, Cai was diagnosed with bulbar-onset ALS, a debilitating disease which first takes away the power of speech before affecting the rest of the body. Given the bleak prognosis, and the breakdown of her physical abilities, Cai decided to end her life last January through Oregon’s Death With Dignity program.
Cai very kindly agreed to a last interview, which we recorded over Zoom on December 23rd 2022 and first aired on January 12th 2023, just 10 days after Cai’s death. Cai was using a text-to-voice device at that point, and was able to type with only one finger on her right hand. It was a slow process, and I’m sure a tiring one for her. But her wisdom, insight, strength, and dedication to living a good life, and dying a good death, shine through. Despite the sadness and finality of our conversation.
So here, from January 2023, a re-broadcast of my last interview with the much-loved, and much-missed, Cai Emmons.
Note: Filmmaker Sandra Luckow is currently working on a documentary "Vanishing: A Love Story" about Cai's final six months. You can find out more and help support the project online at: www.vanishingalovestory.com
Photo courtesy of Livia Fremouw
- KBOO