The terribly sad story of Jahi McMath tears at one's heartstrings. The 13 year old went into hospital for a routine tonsillectomy, when, according to news reports, she "experienced complications" and has since been declared brain dead and on life support. When the hospital prepared to remove the child from life support, her parents have taken up legal action to halt it. That legal action is now in the courts, with the latest decision being to remove her from the life support. An appeal is expected, because the family has stated their conviction that their daughter will recover.
I can not think of any nightmare worse for a parent than losing a child, particularly in the manner that has been described in the news. A routine medical procedure that somehow went tragically, terribly wrong. There is nothing imaginable that could be more devastating.
As we follow this story, my wife and I feel for the family, particularly for the parents. Their anguish and pain are unfathomable. However, we wonder if they are avoiding reality, directly in response to their anguish and pain? Two separate medical evaluations have arrived at the same conclusion. The second evaluation was provided by the chief of child neurology at Stanford University School of Medicine.
We shake our heads and discuss the tragedy, fully appreciating the parents' rejection of the declaration that their daughter is brain dead, a condition from which no recovery is possible. Accepting that medical conclusion means also accepting the unthinkable, that their daughter is gone. Perhaps a miracle will occur, because there are countless stories about children recovering from comas, cancer, drownings, etc. Why can't a miracle occur now, for their daughter?
It is Christmas and maybe a miracle will occur.
Whatever transpires, as we celebrate Christmas with our children and grandchildren, I will hug each a little tighter, thinking of how the McMath family won't be celebrating.
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