My grandfather was hospitalized at WMC in February. Though many nurses showed him patience and exceptional care, Betty was with him when he passed away. My grandfather underwent a procedure and, due to complications, passed away quickly and unexpectedly. Given the commonality of the procedure, my mother and I were not present at the hospital. Luckily, my father was with him; however, during his last moments of life he was in distress and my father stepped out of the room so that Betty was able to re-position him in an attempt to make him more comfortable. He passed away while she was at his bedside. When my father re-entered the room he found Betty stroking my grandfather's head, sweeping his hair from his eyes. She stated to my father, "he passed so very quickly" and he noted she had tears in her eyes. Though she only knew him for moments, she showed him compassion, tenderness, and love. My father stated to me "she (Betty) acted like she knew him personally".

I know my grandfather very well. I know that he found comfort and peace in her presence. If he had been able to talk, he would have taken her hand and squeezed it hard and told her, "We are going to make it."

My family had been praying for his healing or for a quick and peaceful passing. He had been ill for months and was showing steady decline. Though I did not expect him to pass that day, I found peace in the fact that he only suffered for a short time, and I know that I will see him again one day. Being an Oncology nurse for 12 years, I have a great deal of experience in caring for critically ill patients, as well as providing proper end-of-life care. I know what it is to stand in a room with a patient when they take their last breath. I know what it is to hold their hand when no family is present. To me, Betty encompassed what the DAISY Award is all about. Nursing is simply a life mission of helping people live life to the fullest or helping people die in peace. I was his "personal nurse", and he would say to me "I know my T is going to fix me". Though I could not fix him, nor be at his side when he died, I thank God that someone was there that showed him kindness. We are to treat each patient as family, and I believe that is what Betty did.

Thank you to WMC, each doctor and nurse that cared for him, and Betty Crosson for being the last person with the sweetest man I have ever known stepped into eternity.