After the physicians made the decision to remove the woman from life support, the husband leaned in to bid her farewell when he saw something horrifying.
The doctor remarked softly, “I’m sorry, sir, but your wife probably won’t wake up again.” She finds it very difficult. In order for us to shut down the devices, you must sign the paperwork.
The man glanced at his wife, hardly able to contain his tears.
— Physician… But isn’t there at least a remote possibility? Do you think we could wait a bit longer?
The physician gave a headshake.
— There is no purpose. The machines are the sole reason she breathes. I know how deeply this pains you. But it hurts her far more, I promise you. You have to let her go.
The sound of those words was like a death sentence. More than everything else, the man adored her. His life was profoundly altered by the accident. He had stayed by her bedside for over two months; he held her hand, slept in the hospital, and told her about the kids, their house, and the life that awaited her.
Every day at home, two sons inquired:
Will Mom wake up, Dad? Does she intend to return to us?
And he said, dabbing at his tears:
— We must believe, of course, boys.
However, faith became progressively weaker. The day finally arrived for the doctors to render their final decision. The man’s hands were shaking so much that he could hardly hold the pen as he signed the documents. They shut down the machines. The silence became intolerable when a sharp signal echoed around the room.
He clasped his wife’s hand tightly, kissed her fingers, and muttered:
— You have my undying affection. You are the greatest mother and wife. Go to sleep, my dear. I’ll let our kids know what a great mother they had.
He bent down to plant a kiss on her forehead. and froze all of a sudden. His eyes became wide with fear. Something had been noticed by the man.
The woman continued to breathe. Deeper at first, almost imperceptible, as though her lungs had resurrected themselves. Even though the machines had been turned off for a few minutes, her breathing still caused her chest to rise and fall.
One of the physicians murmured, “This is impossible.”
However, it was fact. Her own breath was coming. That indicated that her body was still fighting and had not given up.
The man cried as he called her name and gave her a hug.
— Can you hear me, my love? You returned. I was aware of your strength. I thought!
The physicians checked the readings and started resuscitation treatments right away. And despite the lengthy and challenging rehabilitation that lay ahead, the woman had miraculously come back to life.
She opened her eyes for the first time a few weeks later. The most essential thing was that she was there, even though her gaze was feeble.
Through his emotions, the man grinned as he grasped her hand:
— My dear, welcome home.
