Thank you for posting this, Elyse. If I may, I'd like to suggest something to all. Before she took sick, Mom and I talked many times about what she wanted done if she should become critically ill. Sadly, I found myself in that situation. Over a period of 9 years, Mom had 2 major strokes, 2 surgeries to remove 3 brain tumors, ovarian cancer, kidney failure, a fourth brain tumor, and a third stroke. It came to a point where the decisions were up to me and it was a place I did not want to be. I promised Mom that what she wanted is what would be done. At times it was very painful and difficult but I kept my promise to her.

To everyone reading this important post, it is imperative to talk to your families and tell them exactly what you want done. I've already talked to my son about it. Mom passed away a little over 2 years ago and the pain of her passing is still there. But it does help a bit knowing I did exactly what she wanted.