Making the heart-wrenching decision to take a loved one off life support is one of the most difficult choices anyone could face, especially when the prognosis is grim.
Ryan Finley was confronted with this agonizing choice when his wife, Jill, slipped into a coma. It began when Ryan found her unresponsive, not breathing. He acted quickly, performing CPR and praying fervently as he awaited paramedics, despite understanding that her chances were slim.
Although paramedics managed to revive Jill, her heart was weak, and her breathing was labored. She was rushed to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital, where doctors placed her in a cooling suit to prevent further brain damage. However, she remained in a coma.
Ryan held onto hope, praying daily, but as weeks passed, doctors told him Jill’s chances of recovery were nearly nonexistent. Heartbroken, he was asked to consider taking her off life support.
In his diary, Ryan recorded his devastation. “Today could be the worst day of my life. I essentially have to decide whether or not she will die,” he wrote. Imagining what Jill would want, he felt she wouldn’t want to live like that, so he made the agonizing decision.
As family members gathered to say their final goodbyes, the machines were turned off. But Jill didn’t pass right away; doctors explained that her body was in a “last rally” phase.
In that moment, Jill began to murmur. To Ryan’s amazement, she spoke, telling him to get her out of there and suggesting they go to the Melting Pot or Ted’s, two of her favorite Mexican restaurants.
Source: YouTube Screenshot – Facing Life Head On
Ryan’s hope surged, and, against all odds, he believed Jill would recover. He was right. Jill began breathing on her own, later undergoing heart surgery and rehabilitation.
Reflecting on her experience, Jill shared that she had no memory of the coma but struggled with short-term memory and a few speech issues. Otherwise, she felt well and was grateful for the second chance at life.
Now, Ryan and Jill cherish every moment together, stronger than ever. “We cherish each day, each minute, each hour now,” Jill told TODAY. “Not that we didn’t before, but it puts everything in perspective.”
This incredible story reminds us of the power of hope and resilience.
My Boss Terminated Me for Wearing Thrift Store Attire – My Colleagues Came to My Defense and Delivered a Powerful Lesson
When the company owner barged in and abruptly fired me for wearing second-hand clothes, my world imploded. Little did I know, my co-workers were planning an act that would turn everything around and emphasize the true strength of our workplace community.
Never did I think that buying clothes from a thrift store would cost me my job. But life’s full of surprises, especially when you’re a single mother struggling to make ends meet.
It began like any other Tuesday morning. I was at my desk, taking calls and welcoming clients with my usual cheer. The office buzzed with its routine hustle — keys clacking, printers working, and the aroma of fresh coffee in the air.
Kate from HR peeked around the corner. “Hey Claire, how are the kids?”
“Oh, you know,” I chuckled. “Sophie’s engrossed in her science project, and Noah’s set on memorizing every dinosaur name.”
Kate smiled. “Sounds like you have your hands full.”
“Always,” I said. “But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Just then, the elevator chimed. The doors opened to reveal a familiar face I hadn’t seen in over a year — Victor, the company owner.
Panic surged through me. I quickly stood, smoothing my thrift store blouse. “Good morning, Mr. Harrison! Welcome back!”
Victor’s eyes narrowed at me, his expression hardening. “What are you wearing?”
I glanced at my outfit, puzzled. “I — ”
“Is this how you present yourself to our clients?” he demanded loudly. “In these… these rags?”
The office fell silent, every eye on us.
“Mr. Harrison, I — ”
“No excuses,” he interrupted. “A receptionist’s attire should reflect our brand. You’re terminated. Leave immediately.”
My world spun. “But sir, I’m a single mom. I can’t — ”
“Out!” he shouted. “Now!”
Tears stung as I gathered my belongings. Kate tried to intervene, but Victor silenced her with a glare.
The drive home was a blur. How would I explain this to Sophie and Noah? How would we survive? I unlocked our apartment door, and there they were — my little warriors.
Sophie instantly knew something was wrong. “Mom, what happened?”
I hugged them close, the smell of grape juice and play-doh soothing me. “I lost my job today, sweethearts.”
Noah hugged me tighter. “It’s okay, Mommy. We still love you.”
I stifled a sob. “I love you too, munchkins. So much.”
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