To Be... or Not to Be... huh?


We came through a difficult few days pretty much OK. My mother is recovering from what might have killed her. We came to a place that was hard to be. The doc said she needed a tracheostomy (tube inserted in the neck through which oxygen is administered). She'd need to be in a nursing home. My mom has said repeatedly she doesn't want to be in a nursing home. She doesn't want to be on 'life support'. So, quickly we came to the crossroads. Was her life worth saving if it might be a life she said she hadn't wanted? Is it better to be? Or not to be?

It was a hard place for my sister, who holds my mom's medical power of attorney 'privileges'. My sister asked me what I thought. I said, 'Do it!' Let Mom wake up and tell us she doesn't want to live like this. Let her tell us she'd rather die than live in nursing home. Wimpy way to go, huh?

Turns out, we stood at a crossroad that removed from beneath our feet, even as the doctor prepared us for what must be if my mom was to live at all... never mind quality of life questions.

It turns out, the doctor has no way to factor into his medical judgment the power of prayer and priesthood blessings. It turns out that we don't know everything. We really don't know what will be when we aren't in control. In so many things, we just aren't the ones in control. Thank God.

It turns out that, sometimes, when we look into the face of the hardest choices we might make in life, those choices are taken out of our hands. When we ask for help, sometimes, we get it... even when it goes against the odds. How nice. I'm grateful.

It's good to not have to say whether or not someone you love will continue to breathe. It's good to know the Lord will have a say in who will be and who will not.

It's good.

Comments

  1. JenFebruary 27, 2009 at 9:54 AM

    Oh Sally - I can't even imagine! I will continue to keep you all in my prayers! Hugs!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. ReganFebruary 27, 2009 at 1:20 PM

    I am so glad she is recovering, and I love the way you say things. Our continued prayers are with all of you.

    ReplyDelete

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