“Well we are here to discuss the condition of Carmen Cortez. We have family members present to decide what procedures we will take to benefit Carmen,” the doctor states in a very professional manner. He continues by summarizing what has transpired in the past seven days and ultimately concludes with “and this morning her kidneys began to fail.”
The doctor tries to reassure us by saying, “I know how trying this is for you but we are looking for Carmen’s best interest.” He then adds, “we could leave her on life support for a couple of days and wait to see if her condition changes. Miracles do happen.”
“Miracles do happen.” Those are the words Ismenia longed to hear. “I think we should wait” she says with a defiant tone.
We all turn to her and say, “What?”
“Well if the doctor believes that a miracle can happen then we should wait and see.”
“Ismenia, do you think this is what my mom would want? Remember that well publicized case of the lady on life support and husband wanting to take her off, mom said that if she ever were in a situation like that, she would want to be taken off life support. She has already moved on to meet our lord in heaven. We NEED to let her rest in peace now,” my mother stated. My mother is determined to let my grandma rest in peace today.
“Forgive me,” the doctor begins looking towards my aunt, “I didn’t mean to give you false hope. Carmen’s situation is critical. In my professional opinion, I don’t see change happening anytime soon. She may be in this state for several weeks. I understand how difficult this is for you. I can give you a moment to come to an agreement, however if you should decide to remove her from life support, I need to document your consent. On this sheet of paper, please write your name and relationship to Carmen and submit it to the nursing staff. I will allow you some privacy while you decide.”
The doctors walk out.
We all turn towards D’s friend, E, who is a registered nurse for the county of Los Angeles and has been a part of the family for over thirty years.
“E,” I begin, “what do you think? What are her chances of surviving?”
“Yesterday, I would have said that she had a good chance of surviving because there wasn’t any damage to her brain. However, from my experience dealing with patients, once the kidneys begin to fail, there is a high possibility that other major organs will begin to fail. I believe that your grandma has lived a wonderful life and now it is time for her to rest,” E says with regret in her voice.
“It’s time to vote.” I say.
One by one we voted agree that today is the day. Ismenia is still apprehensive but ultimately says yes while tears are streaming down her cheek.
“Okay then, we need to write our names down on the sheet of paper and I’ll return it to the nurse’s station. In the mean time we need to begin saying our goodbyes.”
My mom turns to me, “Mijo, are you sure that you want to do it today?”
“Mom, if it’s gonna happen, I want it to happen today. She is my baby and I want this day to be our day”

I wish you the best. I am praying for you and your family.

Thank you very much. I really appreciate it.

((( Atwater )))))

I have truely enjoyed your Soul,, I have cried, smiled and laughed at times,,

Love & Light