AFTER 16 YEARS, WOMAN AWAKES FROM COMA IN A CHRISTMAS EVE MIRACLE OF HAPPINESS

Surely there are few things in life worse than having a loved one in a medical condition where life itself is dependent on artificial support. In each case, family members and doctors must agonize over appropriate courses of treatment and, sometimes, whether to end life support.

In the case of a New Mexico woman, there is a happy ending. Patricia White Bull went into a coma while delivering her fourth child. That was 16 years ago. Miraculously, on Christmas Eve she awoke, starting talking and was soon able to enjoy pizza, chicken and mashed potatoes.

No one knows why it took so long for this woman to come out of her coma. Nor are they likely to ever fully understand why her return to the world has been so quick. But for everyone, there is a lesson about miracles and choosing always to put life first.