This is a post from Charles's blog and his mother's carepage.
Hello friends and family, I bring sad news.
PLEASE MAKE TIME TODAY, THAT'S TUESDAY (AUGUST 11) DURING THE DAY TO VISIT MY MOTHER AND PREPARE TO SAY GOODBYE. Please be advised that Margaret is currently in a comatose state and does not really look like herself compared to even a few days ago and some may wish not to remember her in this way. Please spread the word to all of her friends that may wish to say goodbye. She is at OSU Hospital in the SICU, at Doan Hall Suite A, on the 4th floor. The nurses have been advised to allow visitors to Margaret at any time tonight and tomorrow.
It is with great sadness that I make this entry. Our family gathered again today to meet with Dr. Ross. He was very gentle and kind in explaining to us that Margaret's current condition requires us to make a decision tomorrow about whether to continue with her on life support. She will be given a final assessment by the neurologist. Dr. Ross explained that this third day marks the amount of time necessary to gauge whether or not Margaret will make "some recovery". He explained that the amount of time that her body was without oxygen has caused brain injury. He told us that if she makes "some recovery" she would not necessarily be the "Margaret we used to sit around the table and drink coffee with". If it is deemed that Margaret has not and will not progress in her recovery, then she would remain in her current vegetative state.
Margaret recently created a living will which states that she does not wish to remain on life support in such an unconscious state. She has emphasized to my brother and I on many occasions especially recently that if such is the case, that life support should be withdrawn. My mother also commissioned me with the responsibility of having medical power of attorney. I cannot express to you how conflicted I feel about the decision that will likely lie before me tomorrow. Even so, it is out of love for my mother, and respect for her wishes and her personal dignity that I shall fulfill my obligations when the time comes.
I want you all to know how much love Margaret has for all of you. I think back about the people she took care of in her lifetime including my brother and I and what a nurturing and wonderful person she was. I want you to know how happy and thankful she was for all of your thoughts and prayers and every little kindness you gave her. Though I know God has heard every one of yours and my prayers for her health and well-being, I feel that his will is to bring my mother back to him and away from the agony and suffering that she has endured here. I think we should all take comfort in that. I know mom will be at peace there and that she we will be with Grandpa and our Father in Heaven. I will miss her so much. All I can think about tonight is all the times when she would wake me in the middle of the night to bring me medicine when I was sick. She has given me so much I can't even comprehend it. I love you Mom. God bless and keep you forever.
