Thank you for sharing that, and for everyone on this post. These are things everyone should think about and consider, hard and unpleasant though it may be. Not letting your wishes be known, preferably in writing, makes it harder for everyone later and leaves those behind always wondering if they did "the right thing". I think it is hard enough to have to actually "turn the machine off", as you put it, even if you have been told very clearly it is what the person wants. How hard that must have been, and what courage you had, and honor for your brother, to do what you did. I have no doubt he is grateful for your courage and in a better place, free of pain.

It is cowardly and selfish for others to stand back and do nothing at the time, and then later criticize those who stand up and honor what their loved one wants. They clearly have not thought the matter through. Perhaps a gentle reminder asking them what they would want if they were lying in a hospital bed in pain, high fever, whatever, with no hope of ever leaving that bed, would help them see the grace and dignity that stepping up to that most difficult of plates, like you did, represents.