OK. One minor clarification based on the local paper's story:
Woman, 81, at center of feeding tube feud
http://lagrangenews.com/new.php?StoryType=full
The granddaughter reportedly has been giving some food and hydration by mouth: " . . . [Probate Judge Donald] Boyd said Gaddy testified at the hearing that she feeds her grandmother Jello, chips of ice and 'anything else she'd be willing to eat.' "
The nephew's concern is based on the report of a hospice nurse, based on the story: "Kenneth Mullinax, the patient's nephew of Birmingham, Alabama, said a hospice nurse told him that Magouirk had not received substantial nourishment since March 28."
It is true that people who are near death are usually not going to be able to eat "substantial" meals. Of course, if you have a cold, you might not want to eat much either. Before my bf died, he had all these cravings for what he called "comfort food." I bought and prepared anything he asked for, but he'd eat a bite or two and that would be it. It is entirely possible that Mae has no desire for much food. It looks like the doctors have made a decision not to feed her through a tube because they have decided that the illness she has together with her age is not going to be worth it for her. Again, I would want to hear what the doctors have to say.