Final Decisions for a Loved One

So I get a call this afternoon from a local hospital.  My uncle had been admitted with a very serious infection that somehow traveled to his blood stream.  The doc described his condition as very critical.  Damn. I just talked to him yesterday & he only said he didn't feel well. 

The doc goes on to ask me if I had power-of-attorney, etc.  I got an awful sinking feeling.  He then tells me they will try to treat the infection with meds, but surgery might be necessary and asked me about my uncle's wishes.  I already know that he doesn't want to be on a breathing machine, life support or anything of that nature.  Nor does he want to be confined to a nursing home.  He's one the most co-dependent, blind, cripple and crazy son of guns you'd ever meet. 

I told the doc that depending on the outcome of surgery, I didn't think he would be ready to give up just yet.  He's only 53. 

A few hours later I get another call stating that they have discovered a flesh-eating bacteria in what is left of his lower half.  He lost his legs a few years ago due to this very problem.

Again I was asked if heroics should be involved.  Shit!  This is my damn uncle, my mama's baby brother and now I might have to decide if he lives or dies.

I managed to talk to him for a few moments before they whisked him away for surgery.  His words to me were, "You might have to make some decisions for me, because I'm dying." 

I got on the phone with the family & my cousin came over to go sit & wait with me.

The good news is that he made it out of surgery OK.  The bad news is that he was trying to communicate something, but couldn't due to the intubation and I think I know what it might be, but I didn't want to hear it & got sick to my stomach.

At this point all I can do is ask for the strength to make any decisions that need to be made. 

They say He gives you no more than you can bear, but I swear to you, I don't know how much more I can take.