As I reflect on the passing of my dearest grandmother, I decided that I must share this amazing story of how MMC helped our family in such a desperate time of need. Through this pandemic, there is a new element of sorrow and pain that many have never felt before; to be absent from the ones you love in their darkest hour.
This was the first time my grandmother was in the hospital and did not have several family members surrounding her, staying overnight with her, and overseeing her recovery. The most horrifying feeling to have someone so dear to you battling and struggling to survive while lacking the ability to be by her side. You see, when we heard the dreadful news that grandma had contracted the COVID-19 virus, we were devastated.
During the time she was at Memorial, several staff members took great care of grandma. One caring and the compassionate nurse stood out to us. When we made the tough decision to start "comfort care", Abby assisted in navigating the family through what to expect. She spent time helping get us on several FaceTime calls with patience and tolerance for those not technically savvy. She was the one on duty caring for grandma when she received her first dose of morphine. I will forever have this memory tucked away inside. Knowing I could not be there to hold her hand, but that Abby was there. This gives our family comfort and peace knowing she was not alone in those moments.
When she took her last breath, our angel also happened to be on duty that night. A coincidence, some might say. No, it was orchestrated by God to have the most compassionate, caring loving, and gentle hand there to hold her as she went to be with Jesus. The most genuine display of having the heart of a servant and one who helps your hospital achieve its vision "to be the health system people choose over all others" is Abby Mustread.