Mary Beth Mattingly took care of Mrs. P for two nights. She had been through many surgeries in her lifetime, was in and out of the hospital frequently due to cancer, and she drank distilled water with lemon. Mrs. P had an optimistic and upbeat soul despite the pain she had been though. She always had a story to tell Mary Beth, sometimes about her life, but mainly about the people that loved her and who she loved right back.
Mrs. P was weak but insisted on getting up out of bed to stand, and her family insisted on helping her. Their patience and love inspired Mary Beth to care for her with that same compassion. It is something special when there is family present at a patient's bedside because it is easier for the nurse to see them as a mother, grandmother, sister, or daughter.
Mary Beth will always remember the strong willed woman who drank distilled water with lemon. For the short time that Mary Beth was her nurse, Mrs. P made a huge impact on her life.