The Tough Decision
Deciding to take a loved one off life support when the prognosis is grim is incredibly difficult. Ryan Finley faced this heart-wrenching choice after his wife, Jill, fell into a coma.
A Desperate Rescue
Ryan discovered Jill unresponsive and not breathing. He rushed to her side and fought to revive her until paramedics arrived. Performing CPR, he prayed for a miracle, even though he knew the odds were slim.
The Medical Battle
Paramedics revived Jill, but her heart remained weak, and her breathing was labored. They rushed her to Oklahoma Heart Hospital, where doctors placed her in a cooling suit to protect her oxygen-starved brain. Sadly, she slipped into a coma.
Holding on to Hope
Ryan prayed daily and never lost hope. However, as days turned into weeks, doctors informed him that Jill’s chances for recovery were nearly nonexistent. They urged him to consider removing her from life support.
In his diary, Ryan expressed his anguish. “Today could be the worst day of my life. I have to decide whether she will live or die,” he wrote, as reported by TODAY. He imagined Jill’s feelings and believed she wouldn’t want to live in that state, leading him to make the painful decision.
A Surprising Turn
The family gathered to say their goodbyes. When the doctors turned off the machine, Jill remained present. They explained she wouldn’t pass immediately, as she was experiencing a “last rally.”
To Ryan’s shock, Jill began to mumble. She asked him to take her to her favorite Mexican restaurants, Melting Pot or Ted’s.
A Miraculous Recovery
Despite the odds, Ryan believed in Jill’s strength. He was right. She eventually began to breathe on her own and underwent heart surgery and rehabilitation.
Reflecting on her coma, Jill stated she remembered nothing but struggled with short-term memory and speech. Nevertheless, she felt good and was eager to embrace her second chance at life.
Grateful for Each Day
Now, the couple appreciates every moment together. “We cherish each day, each minute, each hour now,” Jill shared with TODAY. “Not that we didn’t before, but it puts things into perspective.”
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