by TomS » Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:09 am
Heikki,
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your father in law.
My father in law passed away two years ago under very similar circumstances. he had a heart attack at home and was in cardiac arrest for about 20 minutes before the paramedics restarted his heart with a defibrillator. He suffered extensive brain damage from the lack of oxygen while his heart was stopped. Like your father in law, had he lived, he would have remained in a vegatative state for the rest of his life.
My Father in law was a very proud and independant man. Following another family tragedy a few years earlier, He had made it known, that he would not wish to to be kept alive in that condition. After consulting with the doctors, and per our request, they disconnected his life support machines. He passed a way a few hours later.
Heikki over time, the pain will ease and will be replaced by the many memories you share. Now, when the family gathers, we'll often talk about Papa. Soon, we're all smiling and laughing as recall the good times we had together. Give it time. Things will get better.
Take care my friend,
