I believe with all my heart that Deborah Lemon gave her patient extraordinary care without ever realizing it and in doing so made the last days and more importantly the last few hours of her patients life the most comfortable they could have been. I was witness to this compelling story of care and as it unfolded and I began to learn more about Deborah.

This story has changed me in a way I can not describe yet. Deborah recounted to me her care of this patient over the last 3 days not to draw attention to herself but to just relieve herself of emotion that was so RAW at that point and to tell me things you will understand as you continue to read this.

The patient had been having arm pain on and off all weekend and many times during her shift Deborah went in and made sure her arm was elevated on the pillow just the way she liked, and often rubbed and stroked her head because that seemed to help and the patient liked it so much. Once, I believe it was Saturday, the patient's bed broke and she and another nurse were unable to get the bed fixed, Deborah figured out (after much deduction) how to drag the special mattress and all over to the other bed and get the patient situated so they didn't have to wait and go through the ordeal of waiting to get the bed fixed. The patient's husband was with her all weekend and had asked if he could bring in the dog to cheer up the patient. The staff had allowed this thinking it would help lift the patient’s spirits. I think Deborah had gone to great lengths to make this dog’s visit a success for this patient. It involved a dog bed, dog dish for water. I believe it was quite a set up for the dog. Again I believe this was done with the intent to make the patient happy and feel better.

Maybe a bit a history here, the patient was recovering from a debilitating stroke and been admitted to WHH from a nursing home. On the day I was with Deborah and had this conversation she described how earlier that day the patient had been crying most of the morning. Not just crying but sobbing at some points. This had upset Deborah who seemed very tender hearted and the most kind and caring nurse you will find. She had been in more than usual asking if she was in pain, or what she could get for the patient. She said she had checked her arm each time she was in the room making sure the pillow was just the way she like it. She said she had rubbed her head and shoulders several times and had spent extra time just talking and visiting with her. She told me that she felt like she had truly been able to give her the time she needed that morning and was satisfied with the care she had rendered.

Deborah was with her patient just moments before her death when she discontinued her IV piggyback smiled and told her she would be back in a bit but to put on the light if she needed her. I think most of you know or have figured out this story. None of us go to work prepared for an event like this nurse faced. Recovery will be hard. I know her care made a difference. I could feel the caring in the way she spoke of the patient and all the things she said she did for the patient but I think she does this for all her patients.

I think this patient was the lucky one to have had Deborah care for her in her final days.