I had picked out her favorite pale blue dress, chosen hymns, and tried to help our son understand that his mother was never coming home.

Now, defying every rational rule of medicine and grief, we were standing by for a final medical review.

“Mr.

Cooper, please brace yourself because this procedure will be emotionally taxing regardless of the outcome,” Mr.

Thomas warned me quietly.

“I can handle whatever happens, just make sure they examine her thoroughly,” I responded without looking away from the canopy tent.

The medical team entered the private area with their diagnostic bags while family members gathered beneath the nearby shelter.