A Timely Decision

My mother’s doctor called and told me that she needed surgery right away.  He explained, in layman’s terms, that she had an opening in her stomach which needed to be repaired.

He said:  “She will die without the operation.”  After recovering from the shock of his blunt message, I said, “Of course, do whatever you need to do.”  “But…”, he said, “...there’s a good chance she may not make it through the operation or may die in recovery.”  He continued:  “Anyway, are you sure you want to put an 88 year old woman with Alzheimer’s through this? Even if she lives through it, she could wind up on a respirator or bedridden for the rest of her life.”

My mind was reeling:  “What was he saying? He’s talking like my mom is a sick, aged dog.”  I was dumbfounded.  But after a few moments, I realized that he was raising an honest, albeit crass, question about my mother's quality of life.

Prior to this moment, I always imagined that such questions would be straightforward.  Surely, knowing my mother, if she were in a hopeless, vegetative state or in perpetual pain, I could have more easily decided to forego the operation.  But this was so very different.  Who can say what she would choose, if she were able?     

As I struggled, I recalled a day, about 55 years ago, when a five year old boy, fearing a bunch of scary medical tests, hid in his bedroom.  My mother came in and said, “It’s time to go. But don’t worry, everything will be fine.”

After a full recovery from the operation, my mother continues to live in her imaginary world, oblivious to her own ordeal. I think I made the right decision. 

© lumdog 2013
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I wrote this for the Week 68 Trifecta Writing Challenge where we are to write 33-333 words using the word “time” in the context of an appointed fixed moment or an opportune or suitable moment.

Your comments are appreciated.