"We Can't Kill Your Mother" and Other Stories of Intensive Care
by Lawrence Martin, M.D.
Table of Contents

NOTE: "We Can't Kill Your Mother" and Other Stories of Intensive Care can be downloaded in its entirety as an e-book from 1st Books Library ($4.95). The book can also be ordered in trade paperback format for $13.50. For purchasing the e-book or print versions, please go to 1st Books Library and enter part of the book's title or the author in their search engine. Below are the first few paragraphs of 'LOU GEHRIG' STRIKES AGAIN.

I had long anticipated a distress call from someone in the Miraly family. When it comes I am at home, sleeping.

"Dr. Martin, Mt. Sinai Hospital calling."

"Yes?"

"I have a Mr. Ernest Miraly on the phone. He says he needs to speak with you. Can I put him through?"

"Yes, go ahead."

Mr. Miraly has a hoarse, quiet voice. Even face to face, during many sessions with the Miralys, I sometimes had difficulty understanding him unless I watched his lips move.

"Please speak up, Mr. Miraly. I can hardly hear you."

"Dr. Martin, my wife Angela, she's having trouble."

"What kind of trouble? What's happening?

"With her breathing. I don't know what to do."

"Is she awake? Can she talk?"

"No. I just called 911."

"You called 911? How long ago?

"Just before I called you. What should I do?"

He has already done it. The emergency medical squad will be at their house in a few minutes. And then what? Surely Mr. Miraly has understood my explanations, my recommendations, these past several weeks. I have done everything possible to warn him of this inevitable crisis, but he is not prepared for the sheer horror of watching his wife die.