It's probably appropriate to start this story with how it ends. On Sunday, my husband's mother passed away at Blessing Hospital. As with every life-changing event, the details become forever imprinted in your mind and memory. People who play key roles in those memories become a part of your life forever, especially if you are blessed enough to have someone as skillful, compassionate, and generous with her gifts as Robin Tucker. She changed every aspect of this dreaded time into one of clarity, comfort, and even peace. She framed how we were able to manage through this difficult time, how we understood and felt about it and now, how we will remember it for the rest of our lives.
My mother-in-law was admitted with extreme abdominal pain and all the symptoms which accompany that condition. Throughout the week she was hospitalized, other problems presented themselves and when one subsided, a new one would emerge. As valiantly as her medical team worked to help her, it was frightening and confusing for us as family members. I was desperate for a medical partner I could trust. I needed someone who's clinical skill was extraordinary and someone who would communicate to me with honesty, specificity, and clarity. The first time I spoke with Robin, I was amazed and grateful at how clearly she explained everything that was going on medically, and what the future would hold from a treatment perspective. Our conversations were extremely helpful as my mother-in-law ceased to be able to speak for herself.
Robin's skills as a nurse are beyond excellent, but it is her approach to people that distinguishes her as a blessing. I value every conversation we shared because of how they made me feel. Through her compassionate guidance and advice, I came to understand that my mother-in-law was on her way to Heaven and that earthly healing wasn't likely. Robin gently, yet clearly, helped me and my husband know how to think about what my mother-in-law was experiencing. I was able to explain this to the rest of the family and that was significant beyond measure.
Robin's ability to empathize and yet be open and clear at the same time is unsurpassed. And when she was passing, Robin sat at her bedside so she wasn't alone until a family member was there. As I couldn't be in Quincy because my own 81-year-old mother was going through hip replacement surgery several hours away, Robin became my eyes and ears and took care of my heart in my frustration at not being able to be there personally. When I called to thank her again, she talked with me and cried with me as I put it all into perspective.
I have been a Healthcare Consultant for an international consulting firm for over 21 years and have come into contact with countless healthcare professionals. Without a doubt, Robin Tucker stands out as the most exemplary I have ever met. She sets the gold-standard for nursing care and more importantly, as a human being. I thank God for the privilege of meeting her and for inspiring her to be the exceptional person she is. Blessing Hospital is beyond fortunate to have her on their team.
Robin, if you are hearing or reading this, please know you have touched my heart deeply. I am forever grateful for you and you will remain constant in my thoughts and prayers.