People change. Maybe Delay has changed over the 17 years that have since elapsed. A traumatic personal experience can often make someone turn 180 degrees in their thinking.

The preliminary decision to withhold dialysis and other treatments fell to Maxine along with Randall and her daughter Tena — and "Tom went along." He raised no objection, said the congressman's mother.

Maybe he carries an enormous burden of guilt and shame about not voicing his objections when he had the chance. Maybe he now wants to correct the "wrong" he thinks was committed against his father.

Who knows?

One thing I do know. Delay's family held no hope. Terri's parents do. Why take that hope away from them?