They all know Stephen's past, present, and future concerning God. If Stephen dies, he will be with God …that they are certain of. What they are not certain of is his striving towards family. And how can he strive towards something when he can't even know they are there in the room with him, or are about to be reunited?

For Shannon, this is a much more difficult issue.  She is not convinced that it will make much difference, even if he can know she is in the room.