The Revelatory Power of Words

I can entirely understand that this has to be the hardest period of Bob and Mary Schindler's lives. Perhaps it is unfair to parse what they say at this time, but I believe that what is said when most separated by reasonable faculty that holds the most truth. I refer to Mary Schindler's statement to Michael and the woman he has started a family with:

"Michael and Jodi, you have your own children. Please, please give my child back to me," she begged.

This points out the conflict of the roles that Terri Schindler-Schiavo played in people's lives: Bob and Mary's daughter and Michael's wife. Which takes precedence? By the legal system of the State of Florida, it is the relationship of husband and wife that comes first. I tend to agree to that, as it is the bond that is chosen by both parties (that Terri might not have chosen to remain married to Michael after his recent actions can not be clearly elucidated any more than her will to continue living).

I don't often go to the Bible for authority, but this quote seems applicable:

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2:24

Applying a bit of gender neutrality (and not using the justification of the whole rib thing), this would hold for woman as well as man. Terri chose to be with Michael, and he is acting out, supposedly, her wishes expressed an adult. That Mary Schindler would speak of Terri as her child might imply that even if she knew Terri's wishes were to cease the fight to live that Mary might not accede to them.

That, however, would involve some mind reading that I am not capable of attempting.