The Final Countdown

I have heard a lot of people (myself among them) say that Terri Shiavo's parents are more interested in the publicity and attention their daughter's case is bringing them than they are about their daughter. It has been mostly speculation, but sadly now I know it is true.

From iwon.com: "Shiavo's mother, Mary Schindler, did not visit her daughter on Easter, emotions keeping her from the hospice for the first time since Terri's feeding tube was removed 10 days ago, said Paul O'Donnell, a Roman Catholic Franciscan monk and a family spokesman."

I understand the Friday before, her father spent a whole 15 minutes with her before heading back out to be with the protesters. I guess because there aren't any cameras allowed in the hospital.

How could a mother, any mother, not be at the side of their dying daughter during her last hours? Easter is a religious holiday, no? Haven't Terri's parents been beating the horse of religion to death for the last year and a half? Now, they stay home and leave their dying daughter to receive her last rites by herself? Where are they going to be when Terri finally breathes her last, giving an interview? Marching on the white house?

When Terri finally does die, what memories will they have?
"Oh, look, honey, here's a picture of us with all those protesters wearing tape across their mouths."
"What was Terri doing then?"
"Oh, I don't know. Oh, here, a picture of us with Jeb Bush."

Michael Shiavo has been villanized for his actions, yet Michael was by her side on Easter Sunday, wasn't he. If anyone should be scrutinized, it's her parents. Have them explain their actions. I bet when Terri does die it won't be the last we'll hear from them. They will go on every talk show and news show on earth to talk about how much they cared about Terri. I hope the first question out of every interviewers mouth is: "The more attention Terri case got, the less you stayed with her. Why is that?"