My mother was hospitalized in the Critical Care Services Unit. A few days into our stay, we were blessed to have Bekah take over the care for our mother/wife for the remainder of her stay. Our hearts all broke when our mom fell down a flight of stairs and we were told that she had an intra-cerebral hemorrhage and multiple vertebral fractures. She was a loving wife, mother of 4 daughters, grandma to 14 grandkids and 7 great-grandchildren. Bekah very quickly understood the importance of family and love that we all had for this dear woman. She not only cared for our mother during this time but truly cared for our entire family!
Bekah always spoke with kindness and compassion to my mom even though she was unable to respond. She took time with each family member to discuss her condition and provide education on her IV's lines, breathing tubes, neck brace, and ventilator. As family members would enter the room, many of us were overwhelmed with emotion. Bekah was there to offer compassion to our family. She would take the time to help each person be comfortable and understand that our mom and grandma was able to hear them so they could talk to her and hold her hand to comfort her and themselves. We were thankful to have Bekah there with a kind smile and a warm hug.
Bekah clinically watched closely over our mom. She kept the providers informed of changes in her condition, she reacted quickly and professionally when there were emergent issues that arose. She kept us informed of changes and reached out to the clinical team whenever we had questions or concerns.
The last day of our care here at Sanford, we were grateful to learn that Bekah had picked up an extra shift and was able to be with us while we made some difficult decisions. Bekah had arranged for a family care conference that morning. When the providers arrived, Bekah brought us all to the conference room and assured that everyone was comfortable and had their questions ready to ask the providers. Bekah contacted the palliative care team for us and also encouraged us to have a child life specialist come to work with the younger kids. We had several family members traveling in from out of town, so we were encouraged to take our time with everything and so that everyone had a chance to say goodbye. She was so great with all the grandkids as they came see grandma one last time. When Bekah left that night she gave each of us a hug, as she did at the end of all her shifts, and with tears in her eyes, told us that she was blessed to take care of our mom and to meet each of us.
Our lives will be forever changed by the events of this week and forever touched by Bekah and the compassionate care she provided to our entire family.