Young couples entering marriage often envision a future filled with shared growth and cherished moments. However, life can be unpredictable, presenting unexpected challenges that test the strength of their bond.
On a Saturday morning in May 2007, Ryan Finley woke up to what seemed like a typical day. Glancing at the time, he realized it was time to wake his wife, Jill Finley.
“I went to wake Jill up, which in itself was unusual because I never do that on Saturday mornings,” he later recalled.
Calling her name yielded no response. Growing increasingly concerned, he gently shook her, but she remained unresponsive. Panic set in as Ryan swiftly dialed emergency services and began performing CPR.
Paramedics arrived promptly and transported Jill to the hospital, with Ryan following closely behind in his truck.
At the hospital, doctors determined that Jill had suffered a cardiac arrest. While medical teams worked tirelessly to stabilize her, Ryan anxiously awaited updates outside the emergency room.
When a doctor finally emerged, he urged Ryan to start praying. Reflecting on that moment, Ryan later shared, “When a doctor tells you to pray, you know it’s serious.”
Jill had slipped into a coma. The reality was difficult to grasp—his vibrant 31-year-old wife was now fighting for her life.
Over the next two weeks, a steady stream of family and friends visited, offering support. Among them was Jill’s cousin, who brought a Bible and read to her for over an hour. Before leaving, he handed the Bible to Ryan, encouraging him to read passages that resonated with him. From that day forward, Ryan read aloud to Jill, holding onto hope that she would wake up.
After 11 days, Ryan returned home to reflect on an agonizing decision. Doctors advised that Jill’s condition was unlikely to improve and recommended removing life support. Torn with heartbreak, Ryan ultimately agreed, scheduling its removal for the following day.
On the 14th day of her coma, Jill was taken off life support.
Approximately five hours later, she began to stir and murmur softly. Overcome with emotion, Ryan initially stepped away, bracing for what he feared were her final moments. But then, a nurse approached him with an unexpected message: “I think you need to come in; she’s talking.”
Expecting to share a last goodbye, Ryan was astonished when Jill’s first words were, “Get me out of here. I want to go home.”
Still unsure if she was fully aware, Ryan tested her with questions only she could answer—from the names of their pets to simple math problems. She answered them all correctly, even mentioning a craving for food from her favorite Mexican restaurant.
Jill later admitted she had no memory of being in a coma, only a sense that she had been away and had now returned. When asked in an interview what he believed had brought his wife back, Ryan answered without hesitation: “God. Divine intervention. I truly believe that.”
Jill’s recovery was not instantaneous. She had to relearn basic motor skills, such as brushing her teeth and tying her shoes. Yet, she and Ryan saw this as a second chance—not only at life but at their marriage.
Jill believes Ryan made the right decision in removing life support, as she would not have wanted to remain in a diminished state. However, Ryan still struggles with lingering fear from the ordeal. “Not a night goes by that I don’t wake up and check on her,” he admitted. “I usually give her a nudge, and if she nudges me back, I know we’re okay.”
Sometimes, life grants a second chance in the most unexpected ways. We are overjoyed to hear that Ryan and Jill Finley continue to thrive.
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