BS: Life Support Decision

Subject: BS: Life Support Decision
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Nov 03 - 10:02 PM

I just spoke with a close friend who is facing the decision of cutting off life support for her husband. This is a young couple with two very young children. He suffered a heart attack a while back which led to brain damage.

We will all appreciate prayers, candles and words of support. Chris is a sweet, gentle man who loves his wife and adores his children. I wish I understood.

Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Life Support Decision
From: Amos
Date: 23 Nov 03 - 10:43 PM

Aw, grim, grim, Mary. My sympathies to you and my best vibes to Chris.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Life Support Decision
From: Escamillo
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 02:14 AM

My best wishes for them, Mary. You know where I'm coming from.
Un abrazo
Andrés, in Buenos Aires

Subject: RE: BS: Life Support Decision
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 07:32 AM

(((( hugs and prayers for all))))

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Life Support Decision
From: Bassic
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 08:12 AM

A frightening place to be. The only consolation that comes to mind is that the decision will be taken by his loved ones, a decision taken with care and most of all, with love. If the end is inevitable, as it sadly seems to be, then I hope those involved can see it as an act of love and compassion for "a sweet, gentle man", who has clearly given his family a wonderfull legacy of love to take forward with them.

Subject: RE: BS: Life Support Decision
From: Mr Red
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 08:13 AM

Well whatever the decision - tell her to keep talking - if (or when) he is in a coma he will still hear - let him make of it what he can. Ignore the nurses if they say he can't hear, or understand. It is as much about what it does for the talker as the listener.

Keep talking.

Subject: RE: BS: Life Support Decision
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 08:32 AM

I can't speak for others,and I wouldn't dream of doing so; but Sue and I have discussed this a number of times: we're both agreed that if one of us were in Chris's wife's situation, s/he would have the right, the duty, or whatever, to do what s/he felt was the better thing -- and more importantly, would have the other's blessing on the decision. We both know discussing something isn't the same as when it happens, but we know too that you can't discuss things when it's too late.

A sweet caring man would be as understanding as this grumpy pair of curmudgeons; and this gpoc will be thinking of you all, family and friends.

Steve & Sue

Subject: RE: BS: Life Support Decision
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 09:02 AM

This is something that should be thought out beforehand, and my wife and I have talked it over too. A "living will" or whatever the document is called that says "Do Not Keep Me On Machines" should be written AND enforced (hospitals are often reluctant to do this). "Advance Directive", that's what it's called, at least in the US.

But this is something I hope that I never have to decide, and my thoughts are with those who do.

Subject: RE: BS: Life Support Decision
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 09:41 AM

Thank you, all. Susan, I would really appreciate your adding this family to the Prayer Group's list. Chris and Chris Sconzo and their children Ryan and Riley.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Life Support Decision
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 01:33 PM

Oh, how difficult. Best wishes for all.

Subject: RE: BS: Life Support Decision
From: Wesley S
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 03:29 PM

My wife and I have living will. They are a great idea. And I've asked my sister { an emergency room nurse } to make sure they are enforced.

Also - Mary - your friends are in my thoughts and prayers too.

Subject: RE: BS: Life Support Decision
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 06:38 PM

Sins, I am here and will be sending love and light to them all plus give thanks for peace in their hearts. My daughter signed papers in the hospital just before her emergency c-section, and after we'd talked about this very thing, giving us that right to decide and custody of our new grandson, if it came to that. I am grateful we've been able to discuss and plan for such things, but I hope we never have to act on it.

My heart goes out to Chris and Chris, Ryan and Riley. With the support of family, such a friend as you,Sins, and the rest of us may they all find peace.

Bassic, that was beautiful and I completely agree.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Life Support Decision
From: Deda
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 06:46 PM

Dear Mother-Father Great Spirit,

Thank you for the love that this man has given, and gotten, in his life, love which does not end. May his family continue to feel and know that. Grant them all your strength and love and comfort. Grant them each the strength to feel their love and their loss, and help them to heal. Be with them, and let them be sure that they are innocent. Thy will be done.

Subject: RE: BS: Life Support Decision
From: Amos
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 07:03 PM

Wow, that was pretty!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Life Support Decision
From: Dani
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 07:10 PM

There, but for the grace of God, go we.

You and your friends are in my prayers, Mary.

And y'all, write it down and TALK WITH THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE about this stuff. Today. Use this as a reason if you can think of no other.

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Life Support Decision
From: Tig
Date: 25 Nov 03 - 04:45 PM

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{xxxx}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

This is a decision I am only too glad I didn't have to make after Badger's heart attack.