Ryan Finley faced the ultimate dilemma – deciding whether to let go of his beloved wife, Jill, who lay in a coma with dim prospects. After discovering Jill unresponsive and struggling to breathe, he fought desperately to revive her until paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts, Jill’s heart and breathing remained weak, leading her to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital, where she was placed in a cooling suit to mitigate brain damage. Tragically, she slipped into a coma.
Ryan clung to hope, praying fervently each day, but time marched on and doctors painted a grim picture, urging him to consider turning off life support. In his diary, he shared his heart-wrenching internal struggle: “Today could be the worst day of my life. I essentially have to decide whether or not she will die or not.” Empathizing with Jill’s wishes, he made the agonizing decision. Family members bid their farewells, and as the life support was disconnected, Jill persisted. Doctors explained she was undergoing a final rally before passing away.
In a shocking twist, Jill began to mumble at that pivotal moment. With disbelief and aching hearts, Ryan heard her words: “Get me out of here. Take me to Melting Pot or Ted’s.” These were references to her favorite Mexican restaurants. In that instant, Ryan’s conviction solidified – Jill had more fight left in her than anyone could fathom.
Jill defied the odds, breathing on her own, undergoing heart surgery, and embracing rehabilitation. Her memory of the coma was void, yet challenges lingered in her short-term memory and speech. Nonetheless, she seized her second chance at life with gratitude. The couple, now more united than ever, value each day as a precious gift. As Jill expressed, “We cherish each day, each minute, each hour now. Not that we didn’t before, it just puts it more in perspective.”
