A New Riddle

Self,

My grandmother and three of her four children sit at the dining room table to make some decisions about the final arrangements for my grandfather in order to have some things in place.

My grandfather will be cremated per his and my grandmother's wishes.
The ashes will be buried at the National Cemetery as is his right as a war veteran.
There will be a grave side service and repass/memorial/fellowship gathering at our house.

One of the questions that the doctors said they need the family to answer was how didtwe want to schedule my grandfather being taken off the respirator?  Meaning do we want to arrange to be there when they turn off the machine or do we want them to do it and to receive a phone call when he passes.

My mom: "Well I don't think there's a reason .....*tears*...there's enough memories....*tears* ....I don't want to be there."

My aunt: "I....*tears*.....I don't want him to be alone."

My eyes swelled up with tears as I watched the scene.

So, do we let our memories burn bright while someone else extinguishes his candle.  Or do we let our candles shine on him while engraving in our minds the memory watching his light flicker away.

How do you make that choice?

Even now, hours later my eyes are watery from the thought.
And not knowing which is the best choice.

Love,
Pharoah