Prior to writing this, my grandma was COVID-19 positive; as of today, she lost her battle.
Kelly has set up phone calls for me every weekday for the last four weeks. Not only did she care for my grandma, but she was quite therapeutic to me. Sometimes I just cried, laughed, or chatted with her. We are convinced my grandma could hear our conversations.
A few things that make Kelly so special; in which I will always think highly of during this difficult journey was that:
1. She would rub my grandma's hand and head as if I were present
2. She would reassure me that my grandma could hear me
3. She would tell me I was okay through watery eyes and each tear each day
4. I accidentally texted her on her day off because I hadn't heard from her and she made sure someone helped set up the Zoom still, on her day off!
5. She made sure to connect my entire technically impaired family for my grandma's last days
6. On my grandma's last day, they had to call her (again on her day off) to make sure my family could connect to the Zoom
7. She sent a personal message letting me know she was thinking and praying for me
These are only a few things I specifically remember. I don't know this woman, but I acted like she was my best friend. I would tell my family I talked to Kelly and she texted to say the doctor was calling and we were Zooming at a specific time. After chatting for 4 weeks she will never know the impact she had on my family, my grandma, and myself. I am eternally grateful for her walking with me through the most difficult time of my life, losing my best friend of 33 years.
I know I gained my grandma as an angel, but Kelly is a living angel whom I will never forget. She truly symbolizes a healthcare hero, the mission and vision of health care service delivery, whole person care, and patient-family-caregiver centered care.
Thanks for the opportunity to recognize someone truly wonderful.