My sister was admitted to The Nebraska Medical Center May 1. It was a very emotionally difficult time for our family. My sister was admitted due to multiple complications as a result of battling Stage 4 Colon Cancer for over 2 years. Her bowel had perforated and she developed a sepsis blood infection. Gina Rahaman was my sister's nurse.

Gina was so compassionate and care-giving! I was with my sister when she was admitted, and was advised by the doctor to get her husband here as quickly as possible. Even though she was heavily sedated, Gina explained everything she was doing to care for her, even if only to move her around to be more comfortable. She caressed her and spoke to her as if she were her own sister. She spoke to her as if she was conscious enough to respond, even though we all knew that was not possible.

When my sister's parish priest arrived, you could tell she was praying right along with us all. As the night turned into day, there were 12 of us in the room, all immediate family. Gina explained everything going on to us and throughout the night gave hugs as we had to expect the imminent death of my beloved sister. If there is one thing I would never have thought I would say, it is "My sister had a beautiful death." She was surrounded by her husband of almost 31 years, 2 sons, a mother and her husband, 3 sisters, 1 brother, and 2 brothers-in-law. But what made her death acceptable and most comforting was a caring ICU doctor and the best nurse in the world!

Throughout her shift, Gina continued to offer assistance for anything ANY of us needed, and through explanations of the process of dying, we understood what my sister was going through. None of us was ready for her to die, but she was so well cared for in her final 30 hours it made the process bearable.

Following her death, a yellow rose was attached to the door of the room, a very thoughtful gesture!