Life-Support
The telephone rang and Sarah heard Dr. Jacoby’s calm monotone inform her that her mother had suffered a stroke and was in the hospital. “Your mother was conscious before drifting into a coma. She cannot breathe on her own.” The inflection in his voice never changed. Sarah couldn’t speak. The back of her throat burned. She had spoken with her mother only yesterday and made vague plans to visit this weekend or next. “How long will it take you to get here, Ms. Ryles?” “It’s a four hour drive.” “Then I need to ask. Is it your choice for us to continue using extraordinary means to keep her alive?” He explained that her mother could be kept alive on machines for the time being. “However, if her heart stops, it is your decision as to whether we resuscitate her.” He paused. “There’s nothing in her records to indicate your mother’s wish.”
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