Defining the subject of ethics is a complex task, just like the problems encountered in an ethical dilemma. Ethics is often called "moral philosophy", which seeks answers to moral questions such as what is justified and virtuous. Other definitions of ethics include meta-ethics, which examines the "nature of morality" itself and what we mean by specific moral terms, such as "good and bad." Normative ethics is concerned with what we should do (Banks, 2006. pp. 4-5). This essay will compare what happened versus what other professionals thought should happen in the work involving Sofia, a 15-year-old woman with an incurable heart. condition. The main issue was the insistence of social service professionals that Sofia be informed of her own life expectancy, against her parents' wishes. This work will explain how and why decisions were made to hide the truth from Sofia and the impact this had on Sofia's life satisfaction and enjoyment. From this perspective, the concept of virtue ethics will be explored in the context of addressing Sofia's needs and wishes. Conversley, alternative concepts of ethics, such as the Kantian and utilitarian approaches, will be considered in light of the obvious power imbalances that existed between Sofia's parents, my own practice in relation to Sofia. Thompson (2006) argues that social work can lead to “potential empowerment or potential oppression” because at the heart of its foundations are “elements of care and control” (p. 14). However, I will argue that the power imbalances in this case do not necessarily mean a loss of power for Sofia. With all due respect to the temporal element of the ethical dilemma, the exploration of empowerment will be discussed in the context of the real-time opportunities afforded for Sofia's enjoyment. Sofia has undergone several surgeries and visits hospice four times a year. The medical profession made it clear to her parents that Sofia's time was limited, although so far she has defied medical advice and survived many more years than expected. She frequently uses oxygen and a wheelchair when she is tired. Her physical development has been hampered by her condition and she is therefore very small for her age...