karen feole teppo 3, RN, OCN

Karen was my mother's nurse and my guardian angel as I watched my mother's life slip away. My mother was 92 years old and suffered a fall, she had lived a good life, but it was a hard one. She had watched two of my brothers pass away. I was feeling so helpless and despondent, and then in comes this bright angel into my mother's room. She walked over to my mother, and even though she didn't respond, Karen took her hand and spoke gently to her. Telling her that she wasn't alone and not to worry that she (Karen) would be here with her all the way and that she would be here for me.
I have never witnessed such compassionate caring from a human being. All the time I was at the hospital, I felt like we were her only patients. She was so thoughtful and gentle. She explained so many things about death and the process. She made me feel so at ease even though I was losing my best friend.
She had such a calming presence. Before my mother died, Karen asked her colleague if she could make an imprint of my mother's hand and mine. This made tears of gratitude from me. It gave me something to hold onto.
Karen worked with her co-workers and I saw the same compassionate caring towards them that she gave to us.
Note: This is Karen's 3rd DAISY Award!