In a strikingly non-ambivalent manner, Daniel decided he wanted to die and so informed the treatment team. Daniel was sedated to prevent him from feeling the effects of suffocation as his ventilator was turned off. He was given a final drink of strawberry daiquiri. The drinks are made and Daniel and his parents together toasted his future. As soon as Daniel became unconscious, the doctor removed his breathing tube.
Treatment is intended to relieve suffering.
That's why we do what we do. My companion from lunch time found the talk very disturbing. When I left to catch my flight home, the mother was confronting that counselor. I wish I knew the outcome of their talk. I don't wish to belittle the pain that Daniel and his family felt.