My sister was brought to UAB via the UAB jet. She had been in the ICU at two other hospitals. It had been a very stressful two weeks. The doctors at the previous hospital told us she would not survive without a double-lung transplant. They checked with UAB to see if they would accept her to evaluate her for transplant. However, there was a miscommunication between the doctor at the previous hospital and the doctor at UAB, or maybe just with them and us. My sister was already on a ventilator. Needless to say, when my sister arrived at UAB and the doctor came in to explain treatment plans, evaluating for transplant was not on the table. At that point, I felt completely lost. I went home that night believing that my sister had no hope, and I was mad at all involved. We had flown my sister from Georgia to Birmingham, away from her kids and grandkids. My heart was broken. I had given up on any hope.
The next morning when I arrived at the hospital, I felt like there was no hope. I was mad, sad, confused, lost. Brooke was in my sister's room when I walked in. I figured she had been informed about the misunderstanding. I'm sure she could tell I was not in a good place. After she finished caring for my sister, she turned to me and asked, "How are you and what can I do to help?" I truly felt at that moment I was teetering on the edge. She stayed and listened to my fears and concerns. She got in touch with a patient advocate to come help clear things up. She hugged me as I fell apart. She assured me that my sister would be getting the best care possible. After the miscommunication was handled, I just felt as if she was my lifeline. She talked me through everything the doctors threw at us. I had a bond with Brooke. I trusted her. I relied on her. She was always able to answer any question I had.
Brooke was off or did not have my sister the following Monday. In the early morning hours on Tuesday, I was called by a doctor who told me my sister had a major stroke. I knew that was it. So early that morning I requested that we have Brooke as our nurse. That day was one of the worst for me and my family. We removed her from the ventilator at noon. In all the heartache we had that day, I just know she helped like no one else could. I told her as she left that day, she was my angel, she has a special gift, and this was her true calling. I had to say goodbye to my sister that day, but Brooke was such help. She made the very worst day survivable. She truly was ourangel.