The Impossible Decision

My mother was on life support. The doctors said there was no hope. The brain damage was too severe.\n\n"I'm sorry," the doctor said. "You need to decide when to let go."\n\nI sat beside her bed for three days. I held her hand. I talked to her. I told her I loved her.\n\nI asked everyone for advice. My siblings. My husband. The hospital chaplain. Everyone said, "Do what she would have wanted."\n\nBut how could I know what she would have wanted? We never talked about it. We never thought we'd have to.\n\nOn the third day, I made the decision.\n\n"Please turn off the machines."\n\nThe doctor nodded.\n\nI lay beside her as the machines powered down. I held her close. I whispered, "I love you, Mom. I'll be okay. You can go now."\n\nShe took one final breath. And then she was gone.\n\nI felt her leave. I felt the room change. I felt the weight of the decision settle on my shoulders.\n\nIt's been five years. I still wonder if I made the right choice. I still miss her. I still cry.\n\nBut I know one thing: I made the decision out of love. And that's all anyone can do.