by Maggie May

Created on: July 27, 2008

FATAL DECISION

Maggie stood outside her husband Todd's hospital room, staring fretfully at the

Form Dr. Harris wanted her to sign, giving permission to put Todd on life-support. He lapsed into a comatose state from alcoholic poisoning. How did this happen, how could a man, so strong willed, decisive and assertive let this terrible condition happen to him. After all, Todd was the one who made most of the decisions in their 20-year marriage. Maggie wasn't as strong as he, low self-esteem, insecurity, and her passive nature made it easy for others to influence her. Maggie wasn't used to this, Todd made most of the decisions, big or small, no matter what she had to say. This is one time she wished he could tell her what to do.

The Doctor told her there wasn't much hope of recovery and putting him on life support would only prolong the inevitable a couple of weeks. In the past Maggie probably would have looked for a miracle, being the optimist that she was but on the more practical side it didn't seem realistic.
Maggie knew if she decided not to put him on the machine, he could just go naturally and peacefully, I think he would rather go that way too, she thought. But she knew there was going to be a problem with his sister Jan. Jan was not going to be agreeable to Maggie's decision not to sign for the life-support, Maggie knew Jan would want to be the one to make the decision for Todd's last days. When Todd was six and she was 12, their mother left them to be raised by their father. Since he worked long hours Jan took over as Mother figure. I am sure she is only looking out for his best interests, even when her controlling, persuasive and domineering behavior can get annoying at times.
Maggie made her way to the hospital cafe where Jan was waiting for her, Oh how she dreaded this. If there was ever a time for Maggie to get any guts and strength, this was it. She could not let Jan break her down and change her mind about this. Maggie's low self-esteem and insecure nature made it easy for others to get their way with her. I know I am not the strong aggressive person she is, but I have to stand my ground and not let her make this decision, she thought.
"Hi Maggie, how are you, I know this must be a tough time for you but have no fear, I will do my best to get you through this terrible time, and I will make sure when Todd is put on the machine he will get the best of care.... and we will come here every day...and we will...." Oh my God, Maggie couldn't believe her ears,

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