Not everything in life is as cynical as Freepers make them out to be (or WND for that matter). I am strongly on the side of spouses normally, and because I saw a case of a stress decision up close I will not automatically side with the children. I think these cases are way to complex, personal, and individual to write up in a newspaper, and to take sides.
Three years ago, my Grandfather was failing fast. He became unable to swallow food without choking, and aspirating everything. He also had a living will in place that state no ventilators, or feeding tubes. When he was healthy, his greatest joy in life was a good meal, at a good restaurant. He would plan vacations around the 5 star restaurants he wanted to visit.
By the time he had the feeding problems, he was also diagnosed as terminal. But he was still lucid. The doctors asked him if he intended to fulfill his living will, and would still refuse the feeding tube. During a moment of what I can only describe as fear of dying, he told the Dr. to put the tube in. His Dr. then went to my Grandma and told her that if she thought he was not lucid they could petition the court to transfer decision making to her. She knew she could never live with herself if she did that so she had the Dr. put the tube in. Within 2 days, he was miserable. All of the joy of life left, and he was depressed and solemn. He wanted to have the tube withdrawn, but because of legal implications, it is much easier to put it in, than to remove it. The Dr. refused.
He spent the last two months of his life miserable, and bitter, and to this day, my Grandma wonders what could have been. She is racked with guilt, and the last memories of her life long partner are not happy. For that reason, I am always hesitant to "side" with anyone but a long term spouse.
Before all of my fellow Freepers scream about my love of death (believe me I went through it all during the Schiavo ordeal), please remember there is always two sides to every story. And to you Billbears, Thank You for not backing down.
Have you read to the end of the thread before you posted to billbears?