Facing an Impossible Decision
Making the decision to take a loved one off life support is one of the hardest choices anyone can face. When medical professionals predict little chance of recovery, the emotional weight is overwhelming. Ryan Finley experienced this firsthand when his wife, Jill, fell into a coma.
A Heart-Stopping Discovery
Ryan discovered Jill unresponsive and not breathing. Driven by sheer love and desperation, he performed CPR, hoping against the odds to revive her before paramedics arrived. His quick actions and prayers bought her precious time, but her condition was critical.
A Fragile Recovery and a Coma
Paramedics were able to resuscitate Jill, but her heart was weak, and her breathing was labored. She was quickly taken to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital, where doctors placed her in a suit designed to cool her body, protecting her brain from further oxygen deprivation. Tragically, Jill slipped into a coma.
Days Turn Into Weeks
Days passed, and Ryan’s hope never wavered, but with time, doctors gave him grim news. Jill’s chances of recovery were slim to none. Eventually, Ryan faced the devastating question: should he let the doctors turn off Jill’s life support? In his diary, he wrote, “Today could be the worst day of my life. I essentially have to decide whether or not she will die.”
Believing Jill wouldn’t want to live like that, Ryan made the heart-wrenching choice.
A Miraculous Moment
After the family said their goodbyes, the machine was turned off. Doctors explained Jill would likely not pass immediately, as her body would go through what they called “the last rally.” In that moment, however, Jill did something incredible: she began to mumble.
Through his heartbreak, Ryan heard Jill ask him to take her out of the hospital and to her favorite Mexican restaurants, the Melting Pot or Ted’s.
A Second Chance at Life
Ryan knew in that instant that Jill would survive, despite how improbable it seemed. And he was right. Jill began to breathe on her own and later underwent heart surgery, followed by rehabilitation. Although she struggles with short-term memory and some speech issues, she’s healthy and thriving.
Embracing Life with Gratitude
Today, Ryan and Jill cherish every moment together. Jill reflects on their journey, saying, “We cherish each day, each minute, each hour now. Not that we didn’t before, it just puts it more in perspective.”
To see more of this remarkable journey, watch the video below and SHARE this story with friends and family on Facebook!
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