My sister was a patient at AH Waterman. She was diagnosed with Melanoma, which spread very quickly, and chemo was no longer an option. She was having trouble breathing and was admitted to the ICU. My sister and I had a falling out approximately two years ago and have not spoken since. My family immediately reacted, stating I needed to fly in from Hawaii. I decided not to let hospital staff or family persuade me into my decisions but instead have a Nurse ask my sister herself.

I called and spoke with RN Otilio and requested he ask my sister if she wanted to see me. At the time, she had invited a pastor to pray, and Otilio said he would ask her afterward. He called me back; unfortunately, she did not want to see me. It was emotional for me to hear this, but at the same time, I recognized the emotions in his voice, delivering the news from thousands of miles away. I instantly felt connected with RN Otilio. I said, "It's okay, this is her right; I understand."

Throughout the day, I played the conversation over and over in my head, and what I remembered the most wasn't that my sister didn't want to see me, but instead was this stranger who was compassionate enough to deliver the news softly and compassionately. I asked Otilio, "Can you tell me my sister's condition?" He stated she was in critical condition. Shortly after my conversation with the nurse, my mother came in to visit, and according to my mother, she said her goodbyes to my sister and walked away. Moments later, my sister was intubated, and Nurse Otilio was there. She was afraid, and he comforted her.

My sister has a daughter in Texas and a son in Illinois. Our mother and my brother lived within one block of her. My mother wasn't giving the family proper updates on her condition and kept telling everyone not to fly out to see her and to wait. Once I heard this serious update from Nurse Otilio, I immediately contacted both of her children and suggested they fly in ASAP. I let them know that their mother did not want to see me and that I would not fly for her; however, if either of them wanted my husband and me to fly in to support them, just say the words. I am my niece's Godmother.

Her children all booked flights the same day and arrived in Florida. My niece walked into her mother's room and immediately texted me that she needed me. I booked a flight on the same day. They did not see their mother before she was intubated due to my mother not providing updates, and by then, it was too late. It was a very emotional reunion. We were at the hospital day and night, but I always stayed in the waiting room out of respect for my sister's wishes. We were greeted by pleasant valet attendants and compassionate greeters each time we arrived at the hospital. We would pass the chapel each time, which was great for loved ones. There was one pamphlet that read "Letting go." At first, I thought it was for a person who has passed, but actually, it's about forgiveness.